Black Out Wednesday

We always concentrate on the Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing and desserts.

Experts say we often forget the stress that can come with this holiday.

Some are visiting with family they may not have seen in awhile and for others Thanksgiving means preparing the big feast.

And all that stress leads people to drink more alcohol and spend more time at the bar.

So much so they've even made a name for the day.

They're filling up and serving out.

"A lot of drinkers the day before and a lot after too. I don't know if it's the stress of the holidays or if people want to relax and have a couple of drinks and watch some sports on TV," said Joey Kittrell, the Manager at Parkway Grill.

The Wednesday before thanksgiving is known as "Black out Wednesday."

Folks filing into restaurants and bars all to de-stress before the big holiday.

"They can get themselves taken care of, rather then taking care of their family the next day," Kitrell said.

And for those not in need of a way to calm their nerves they find a different reason to drink .

"Obviously people are in town to see their family and friends, and we have a band that plans the night of thanksgiving so we have a good crowd," said John Dickinson, Co-owner of Ironhorse Pub.

Catching up with old friends over a few drinks.

"Black Out Wednesday" is a night restaurant and bar owners say can get pretty busy.

And Wichita Falls police say the same.

Which is why they called in for back up.

"We do have a comprehensive step grant that they are working on right now which will have extra officers out on the street. They are looking for everything, red light, speeding, DWI's, any violations is what they will be stopping for," said Brandie Young, WFPD PIO.

Young says be responsible while you're out.

Because there's no need to black out to celebrate the holidays.

John from the Ironhorse pub says he doesn't think this is one of the busiest nights of the year for him but there is definitely a spike in business.