JOHNSTON, Iowa – Boaters are heading to Saylorville Lake to celebrate the 4th of July.

Abbey Henderson, a Saylorville Lake Boater, said she took her family boating on Wednesday to beat the 4th of July crowds.

“I think we were smart coming the day that we came. I’m sure it will be packed on Friday, probably even tomorrow. So we’re happy to be out today, and hopefully it’s a little quieter. By then I’m sure the beaches and the lake will get very busy,” Henderson said.

Erin Sanders is enjoying the holiday but was at Saylorville for a special family reunion.

“I’m actually in town from California for a family reunion. This is our 20th 22nd year, so we actually have a name for the reunion. It’s called “cuzfest”. And our family is we have a bunch of family in Des Moines, including two great grandparents who are 97,” Sanders said.

Andy Knauss, a Houseboat Owner at Saylorville Lake, is concerned that there are fewer people at the lake this year.

“Well, it’s not as busy, I’ll tell you that. And we’re just going to make it work. But, I mean, just by looking around, it’s really not that occupied out here. I mean, It’s not as full as it has been in the last years,” Knauss said.

Knauss thinks the lack of a bar and restaurant at the marina and increases in slip rental fees are to blame. She wishes the marina would have started the bar construction in the fall.

“I’m guessing that the bar being built has probably done a lot a lot of that. The prices keep increasing out here,” Knauss said. “You can’t even find a parking spot out here in the years past because there’s so many people out here. I mean, it’s just it’s a great idea, just horrible timing, on doing the bar and restaurant,” Knauss said.

Saylorville Marina expects construction to finish on the bar next year.