COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Fourth of July is on Tuesday, but that doesn't stop some Midlands communities from celebrating America's Independence Day a bit early. Check out the events listed below if you want something to do nearby.
If you plan on celebrating at home -- with fireworks -- don't forget to check with your local law enforcement about local fireworks ordinances.
Monday and Tuesday, July 3 & 4
Red, White, and Blue in the Berry winds up a five-day celebration of Independence Day on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, 5-6:15 p.m. grab a free Pelican Snowball at Memorial Park before the 246th Army Band concert at the Opera House at 6:30 p.m. (free admission); Tuesday starts at 9:30 a.m. with the Harper Street Bike Parade, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gully Washer Splash Park, end the celebration with fireworks at Newberry High School at sundown.
Monday, July 3
Red, White, and Blue Celebration, 6:30–11 p.m. Manning Farmers Market, 21 E Boyce St. Bring a chair and enjoy Level 10 Live Band & Show entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4
Salute from the Shore begins at 11 a.m. as numerous military aircraft will soar along the South Carolina coast again to pay tribute to America's bravest. Patriotic beachgoers will be dazzled with planes featuring F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base, a C-17 from Joint Base Charleston, and two civilian-owned vintage aircraft, including a Nanchang CJ-6s and a Focke Wulf FWP-149. The flight path of the planes will span the length of South Carolina's coastline. The air show will kick off at 11 a.m. from Murrells Inlet, with the civilian-owned aircraft flying down the coast to Folly Beach. At 1 p.m., two F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base and a C-17 from Joint Base Charleston Air Force Base will go down the coastline, beginning at Cherry Grove and ending in Beaufort County in the Lowcountry. This fast-moving showcase of freedom offers beachgoers a chance to gather together to salute those in the Armed Forces who are currently serving or have served our country. Everyone is invited to celebrate this patriotic occasion to honor the United States Military during this free military flyover. Beachgoers are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue, wave American flags, and salute the aircraft as they fly by. Check out the flight path here.
Born in the USA 4th of July 4 Miler, Relay & Firecracker Youth Run This Independence Day celebration run gives proceeds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society & Strictly Running's Youth Cross Country Summer Camp. The race will be at Forest Acres City Hall: 5217 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206. The 4 Miler & Relay will begin at 7:04 a.m. The Firecracker Fun Run will start at 7:54 a.m. We will be having a costume contest & encourage all participants to dress up in their best 4th of July attire for a $100 CASH prize! Awards, including watermelon awards, will be given at 8:14 a.m. For more information or to register, click here.
Lexington County Peach Festival, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. at Gilbert Community Park. The Festival opens at 8 a.m. with the car show; Peach Parade is at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy ripe peaches and live entertainment. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Orangeburg County Fair Association. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds, located at 350 Magnolia St. in Orangeburg. Free rides, food, and rides at no cost. Bamberg native and "American Idol" Top 8 finalist Warren Peay will perform at 7 p.m. on the main stage.
The City of Bamberg's 4th of July Celebration, 5–10 p.m. Guess Park, 2936 Railroad Ave. Food vendors will be on hand, and a fire truck spray time, where folks can cool off, will be held along the railroad berm between Carlisle and Cannon streets from 6:30-7 p.m. The Anybody's Guess Band will perform from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Line dancing will also be held from 7:30–8 p.m. A Fourth of July parade will be held from 8–8:30 p.m. The parade will begin at U.S. Highway 78 East and continue for approximately one mile down Heritage Highway. The evening ends with fireworks 9–9:30 p.m. at Guess Park.
Fireworks with the Phil at Segra Park, Gates will open for the concert at 6:30 p.m. The S.C. Philharmonic will begin their performance at 8 p.m. Segra Park is a CASHLESS and CLEAR BAG POLICY venue. Call 803-726-4487 ext. 1 with questions about club seating, suites, and food packages.