COLUMBIA, S.C. — For the first time since 2018, Fort Jackson will feature a full-scale fireworks event for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis said, “You asked for it and we have answered.”
Free and open to the public, the fireworks display will end an evening of concerts celebrating Independence Day. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2, with a performance by Navy veteran and singer/songwriter Brooks Herring before headliner Breland takes the state. Breland's hybrid of rap, R&B, gospel, and soul music is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Both shows are sponsored by the United Service Organizations (USO).
Those wanting to attend the July 2 event are asked to use Gate 4, Boyden Arbor Road, to access Hilton Field. The field will be open at 4 p.m. so people can set up their own lawn chairs, towels, and blankets. At that time, food trucks and vendors will have food and beverages for sale, and the kid zone with amusement rides will open for business.
Everyone age 16 years and older must possess a valid state or government-issued photo identification card for entry. Those driving vehicles must possess a valid driver's license, valid proof of insurance, and valid registration.
Motorcycle riders must also conform to Department of Defense regulations to enter the post and the requirements include wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, full-fingered gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and a long-sleeved shirt/jacket.
Random vehicle searches will be conducted at the gates. Prohibited items include explosives, firearms, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, grills, knives with blades over 4 inches, tailgate tents, clothing or signage with offensive or vulgar language or political messages, inappropriate clothing, confetti, fireworks, smoke bombs, laser pens/pointers, noise-making, devices (horns, whistles, etc.), pepper spray, umbrellas, video cameras, cameras with lenses longer than 6” when fully extended, remote-controlled flying devices, animals (service animals are allowed, but they must be on leash and owners must clean up after the animals).
Other Columbia-area Fourth of July celebrations include:
- Independence Day Celebration at Icehouse Amphitheater. The free July 1 celebration will feature the 246th Army Band in concert at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks after the concert.
- Star-Spangled Salute with Dick Goodwin & the SC Philharmonic Brass. Friday, July 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Saluda Shoals (no fireworks at this event)
- Lake Murray Boat Parade starts at noon at Bomb Island. The parade can be viewed from the Lake Murray Dam after 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. Lexington Medical Center sponsors fireworks at Dreher Island at 9:15 p.m. WLTX will televise the event on July 4.
- Fireworks with the Phil at Segra Park. Gates open at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2, the concert starts at 8, and fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
- Rockin' Red White and Blue at Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Rd. in Blythewood features live music, food trucks and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. July 2
- Fireworks in the Park on July 2 begins at 8:30 p.m. in Dillon Park, 1210 Clara Louise Kellogg Dr. in Sumter
- St. Matthews Fireworks Show on July 2 will take place on the grounds between Richland Avenue and School House Road in St. Matthews. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Lexington Blowfish host Macon Bacon at Lexington County Baseball Stadium Sunday, July 3, at 7:05 p.m.
- 62nd Annual Lexington County Peach Festival. The all-day event starts at 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, at Gilbert Community Park. Peach Parade at 9:30 a.m., fireworks behind Gilbert Primary School at 10 p.m.