Break out the sandals, pack the cooler and find that perfect spot in the sand.

Hundreds of people hit Jordan Lake Friday afternoon to kick off the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Including Elizabeth Wilkie and her family from Siler City.

"It's $5 to get in, we brought snacks, it's not a whole lot of money to spend," said Wilkie.

Although she said they're enjoying the three-day weekend, they're still remembering the reason for it.

"It's for our independence day as a nation," said Adam Bullard, Wilkie's nephew. "I think it's an important holiday."

For Ashley Wilkie, Elizabeth's husband, the Fourth of July is extra special. He has a friend serving in Iraq.

"You talk about sacrifice, he has three young ones," said Wilkie. "It's his third tour, when I think of the Fourth of July, I think of him."

He said his family will spend the rest of the weekend with friends, going to the pool and watching fireworks. Wilkie said doing that in a free country is something he doesn't take for granted.

"It means a lot that he's over there fighting for us," said Wilkie. "He's doing it so most of us won't have to."

Instead, many will be at the lake or beach the next couple days, celebrating America and what it stands for.