July 4: When and where to celebrate in York County
Fireworks, flags, canons, canoe jousting — there are as many ways to celebrate July 4 as there are local groups up to the task.
Andy Kane knows as much about one local tradition as anyone, having led Camp Thunderbird in Lake Wylie for decades and now serving as co-chair of the annual fireworks display held there every Fourth of July.
“It’s a big event every year,” Kane said. “I know it means a lot to the camp.”
Unlike other municipal or private events, the fireworks show in Lake Wylie is completely community-funded. So every year, as the date nears, there’s a frenzied rush to raise the tens of thousands of dollars needed to light up the sky for at least as many people who view the show.
“That’s typically the way it goes,” Kane said.
To contribute, send donations marked “Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund” to 1 Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.
Other events include:
Rock Hill
Red, White and Boom starts at 5:30 p.m. July 3 in downtown Rock Hill, with fireworks at 10 p.m. Events include concerts featuring the Atlanta Party Bank at 6:15 in the Old Amphitheater and the Carolina Rhythm Band at 6:30 p.m. at Fountain Park. The Kids Zone features bounce houses, slides, mini golf and a ferris wheel. A $10 wristband gives kids all access. The ice cream eating contest begins at 6:15 on Black Street with prizes for first, second and third place winners. Proceeds from the sale of Coca-Cola products will benefit the United Way. Beer and wine tickets will be available at the tent on Black Street at the entrance to the amphitheater. Visit onlyinoldtown.com.
Historic Rock Hill will celebrate Independence Day with fun and games for all ages at the White Home from 1-4 p.m. July 3. Events include crafts for the kids, a watermelon-eating contest for ages 6-12, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors can see a Marsh Tacky, the South Carolina State Heritage Horse, from 1-2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available the day of the event. Free for ages 4 and younger and Historic Rock Hill members. For information, contact Historic Rock Hill at 803-329-1020 or info@historicrockhill.com.
The 39th annual Johnsonville Fourth of July parade begins noon on Monday at 528 Forest Lane and walk around the blocks with bicycles, tricycles, trucks or just walking. The campers and counselors with Camp Cherokee will join in the fun. For information, call 803-327-9306.
Fort Mill
Fort Mill is known for shooting off a Civil War era canon in Confederate Park. Activities start on the Main Street band stand at 10 a.m., with an address by Mayor Guynn Savage. There will be an opening prayer, posting of the colors and the annual cannon firing. The one-hour ceremony has become a Fort Mill tradition where families jump start their celebration.
York
The City of York celebrates Independence Day from 7-10 p.m. Monday at York Middle School, U.S. 321 South with live music by the Swashtones, giveaways, inflatables for the kids, and fireworks. The event is free. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:45 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited along with the presenting of the colors by the York Fire Department Color Guard. Jamie Faulkenberry will sing the national anthem. Golf carts will be available for those in need of walking assistance.
Lake Wylie
The annual July 4 fireworks display over the lake draws thousands. By boat and by land, they’ll see the show launching from Camp Thunderbird beginning at dusk, about 9:30 p.m. Viewing sites include the main channel of the lake for boaters, or Buster Boyd Access Area for the drive and park set.
Tega Cay
July 4 doubles as a city birthday in Tega Cay, where residents go all out in celebration of country and city. A land parade down Tega Cay Drive begins at 9 a.m. A canoe joust at Windjammer Park begins at 11 a.m., the same time a boat parade begins that will end at Windjammer. The Carolina Show Ski Team performs there at 1 p.m.
The golf clubhouse area hosts a Splish-n-Splash Summer Bash, with water slides for children, 3-5 p.m. The Tega Cay Lions Club holds a fish fry 4:30-7:30 p.m. right beside it, followed by a city birthday party, including a birthday cake, leading up to fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
For more, visit tegacaysc.org.
Nearby
Baxter Village holds its 10th annual July 4 parade at 9 a.m. The parade includes everything from decorated floats to golf carts to scooters and walkers. Best viewing comes along Market Street.
Independence Day at Hightower Hall will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 4 at Historic Brattonsville in McConnells. Visitors can join in a 19th century-style game of cricket on the lawn. Other events include period cooking demonstrations, music and dancing. The day will culminate with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the front steps of Hightower Hall at 3:30 p.m. Picnics and blankets are welcome. Friends of Historic Brattonsville will provide food and refreshments for purchase. Admission: $8, adults; $7, seniors; $5, ages 4-17; free for ages 3 and younger and CHM members. For information, go to chmuseums.org or call 803-684-2327.
Carowinds offers free admission July 4 for active, inactive and retired military. Also planned is one of the largest fireworks celebrations in the region at 10 p.m. Visit carowinds.com.
Skyshow Charlotte 2016 follows the Charlotte Knights home game against the Pawtucket Red Sox, with viewing from the stadium or nearby at Romare Bearden Park. Visit skyshowcharlotte.com.
This story was originally published June 30, 2016 at 4:52 PM with the headline "July 4: When and where to celebrate in York County."