The parade route for the Fourth of July this year attracted approximately 20,000 people, according to police estimates.

That number is very close to what Austin has expected in recent years.

Those 20,000 attending the festivities, said Cheryl Corey, executive director of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, are a mix of local folks, out-of-town guests and people from surrounding communities such as Albert Lea, Lyle and Blooming Prairie.

Corey believes the number of visitors is largely a result of local people, who are “responsible for bringing family back for the festivities.”

The parade and fireworks display on the Fourth of July are the events that draw the most visitors to Austin, Corey said.

Sandy Forstner, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, commented that the Fourth of July draws “a lot of people from out of town,” many of whom are attending family gatherings.

Weather is also an important factor in the turnout. Saturday’s moderate temperatures resulted in big attendance at Family Day in the Park Friday.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend in Austin,” Forstner said.

“I want to thank all the businesses and organizations that provided the funds for the activities, and the hundreds of volunteers who put in their time.”