An only slightly out-of-reach three-day weekend has residents chomping at the bit for Memorial Day weekend. Party businesses and parade planners are full throttle to make sure they can handle the summer kickoff rush.

"You have a lot going on now between barbecues, graduations, wedding season," says Stuart Kohn, of Miller's Rentals and Sales.

Towns are also planning for their yearly celebrations. Metuchen is putting the finishing touches on its Memorial Day parade. Officials are hoping the parade draws a solid crowd, who will in turn spend some money at local businesses.

"It's been a tradition for so many years," says Lorraine Colayito, of Metuchen. "[The children] look forward to it."