FAIRVIEW, Ore. -- The economy has forced the cancellation of some Fourth of July fireworks celebrations and the organizers of the festivals that are still going on expect bigger crowds than ever.

One of the most notable cancellations was the Fort Vancouver Fireworks Display that had been billed in previous years as one of the largest fireworks shows in the West.

That cancellation could mean Blue Lake Park in east Multnomah County could be overrun with visitors.

Organizers expect the gates of the park to be backed up Saturday with lines of cars. They expect as many as 8,000 more people than average coming to see the Blue Lake Fireworks Show, but organizers said they are prepared for the crowds.

Scott Paskill of Metro said the 190-acre Blue Lake Park is ready for the big crowds but urged people to show up early. He said the gates will open at 8 a.m.

"The worst case scenario is we shut the gate and say, 'The park's full' and everyone has a good time," Paskill said.

In years past, the average number of people celebrating the Fourth of July at Blue Lake has been about 12,000 but Metro officials think Saturday Blue Lake could see as many as 20,000 visitors.

"We have a huge park and we can handle the crowds and everyone will come and have a nice family event," Paskill said.

Organizers have many planned activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, barbecuing and children's play areas plus food vendors and a beer and wine garden.

To make sure everyone stays safe they will have alcohol monitors and full-time police inside the park.

Not everyone is happy sharing the Fourth with tons of people. Patricia said she enjoys Blue Lake but Saturday she will be staying home.

"We're just going hang out at home, light off fireworks in the street and hang out with family," Patricia said. "It gets really crowded here. I don't really, crowds don't appeal to me at all, not at all. That's why we come here early so we avoid the crowds."

Organizers said no dogs are allowed at the Blue Lake event and no personal fireworks or alcohol are allowed in. Admission costs $10 per car to get in.

Less Firework Options May Increase Crowds