Gas prices have been steadily inching up in anticipation of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, prompting some local residents to forgo road trips for a backyard barbecue.

While gas is now around $3 a gallon, in comparison to last year's $4, drivers are reluctant to pay more at the pump amid a recession.

However, those residents who decided to stay home and have a cookout are also watching their wallets while shopping for supplies.

"We had to check and see what was on sale," says Angela Lopez, of Yonkers.