• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, July 2, 2009

With Independence Day falling on a Saturday and gas prices keeping people close to home, the National Retail Federation says more people will celebrate this year, despite the soft economy. Some 62.6% -- or 144 million people -- will host or attend a cookout, barbecue or picnic this weekend, compared to 61.2%, or 139 million people, last year.

They will also show their red, white and blue spirit, with more people taking in local fireworks (42.7% versus 40.2% last year) and watching parades. And while 14% say they plan to buy new July 4th-themed items, they already have plenty: "About 121 million own an American flag, 89 million have patriotic apparel, 58 million own decorations and 25 million have bumper stickers or car decals," reports the NRF.

But fewer will be on the road. The survey found that 44.5% are changing plans because of higher gas prices. And while prices are below last summer's record highs, 41% say they plan to drive less because of them.

The Automobile Association of America is also predicting a downturn in travel, projecting that 37.1 million travelers will travel 50 or more miles away from home this weekend -- a decline of 1.9% from last year. (And keep in mind that last year's $4-plus-per-gallon gas prices caused a 10.5% decline from 2007.) The dip is significant, AAA says, since the July 4th holiday is typically the busiest of the year for road trips.

And while air travel typically accounts for only 5% of July 4th leisure travel, AAA projects it will gain 4.9%, as a result of bargains in both airfares and lodging.

While the average trip is just above 600 miles, 38% of travelers will log fewer than 250 miles round trip -- one-third between 250 and 700 miles -- and 28% will travel more than 700 miles.

On average, families who do travel spend about $1,160, with about half of it on travel. Food and beverages account for about 20%, with the balance spent on shopping, recreation or entertainment.