Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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There is no shortage of things to do in South Carolina for the 4th of July weekend.  Every city on the coast has its own way of celebrating the big day  – from festivals, to live music performances and of course fireworks.

Many of us visit coastal South Carolina for summer vacation, a coastal weekend getaway or maybe even romantic weekend getaway.

Here are some ideas of fun things to do for the 4th of July weekend 2010 in South Carolina.

MYRTLE BEACH
There are lots of events in Myrtle Beach – from fireworks to music and even an Italian festival.  Click here to check out our special page Fourth of July Events in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade on 4th of July

MURRELLS INLET JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE
Many places have a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July, but in Murrells Inlet the festivities keep a coastal theme. This year it’s time for the 28th Annual July 4th Boat Parade.

Here you can see a line of red, white and blue decorated boats cruising down the creek for the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July parade. The theme for the 28th annual parade is “2010: Freedom is In”.

Boat decoration contest entry forms available at Garden City Realty, Dunes Realty, Crazy Sister Marina or Booty’s. Entry costs $5. You only need to enter if you want to be judged in the decoration contest. Any boat is welcome to join in the parade at no charge.

The best view of the parade is said to be the Marshwalk area. Plan to arrive early for a great viewing spot. The Boat Parade on July 4, 2010, starts at 1:00 pm at Garden City Point area, arriving around MarshWalk area around 1:45-2:00 pm.

After the boat parade, cool off at one of the many restaurants, have a cold beverage and relax. Finish off the day with fireworks.
Call 843-357-2007 for more information or visit murrellsinletsc.org

Fireworks – Murrells Inlet
Murrells Inlet also has a July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at 10pm. New for 2010 is the staging area – right off the end of Veterans Pier! Independence Day is a big day in Murrells Inlet and thousands of people are expected to line the shores for the fireworks. For more information call 843-357-2007.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND

The 25th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 Road Race and Family Fun Walk will be held on Sunday, July 4 at 8:00am from the Mall at Shelter Cove.
The Time Warner Cable Firecracker 5000, is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County. Over 1000 runners and walkers of all ages and ability from across the United States annually participate in this fun event.
www.bearfootsports.com

SHELTER COVE

There’s a special Fourth of July fireworks show at Shelter Cove Harbour, offering a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor.

Go here to visit our page about Hilton Head Island – 4th of July

CHARLESTON

Patriot’s Point
The Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point in Charleston, South Carolina, is the ultimate Independence Day celebration.  The fireworks show has been named “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times.  Fireworks are launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown.
Read all about the 4th of July Blast at Patriot’s Point

Independence Weekend at Middleton Place
Middleton Place starts already on Friday July 2, 2010, with a special Naturalization Ceremony.  There is no more suitable place in Charleston, SC, for a Naturalization Ceremony than Middleton Place, the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 60-75 candidates will pledge alligence to the flag and become U.S.  citizens at this event.  Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Middleton Place Foundation President Charles Duell will kick off the ceremony at 10:00 a.m. under the grand live oaks.  The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services will swear in the candidates. Color guard and costumed interpreters will present theflag and sing the national anthem. This event is open to the publics.  Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.  Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.  America’s newest citizens are welcome to tour the gardens after the ceremony free of charge.

middleton place charleston south carolinaFourth of July at Middleton Place
American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.

American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place.  Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.  Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, visitors can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Most of the 4th of July weekend festivities are complimentary with the purchase of general admission.  House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.  For more information, call (843) 556-6020 or visit www.middletonplace.org

Uncle Sam Jam on July 4
Come to Mount Pleasant Pier to enjoy live beach music under the stars. The music starts at 8 p.m. This Independence Day, the East Coast Party Band is performing. The pier is located at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge on Charleston Harbor.

The Mount Pleasant Pier will be a great spot to view the area’s fireworks displays!  Gates open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m.  Tickets will be limited, so purchase yours in advance.  On-site tickets, if available, will be $10.  Beverages will be available for purchase on site.
For more information, call 843-795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com.

Boone Hall Beach Blast – Charleston, SC

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Life’s a Beach in Charleston, SC, when Boone Hall Plantation opens it gates to the 2nd Annual Boone Hall Beach Blast on Saturday June 26, 2010.

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs
Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs

Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs headline the 2nd Annual Boone Hall Beach Blast on Saturday June 26, 2010. Maurice Williams is best known for his number one hit “Stay” which was also featured in , “Dirty Dancing,” starring the late Patrick Swayze. But Williams rose to the top of billboard’s charts back in 1964 with the big hit “May I”.

The Mighty Tams are also appearing at the event, this group is well-known in beach music circles. Their entertaining performance includes
memorable hits and choreographed dancing. Other performers are The
Fantastic Shakers, The Sugar Bees, and reggae music by The Mystic Vibrations.

The Tams
The Tams

But there’s more than music at this event. No Beach Party is complete without a bikini contest – so Boone Hall hosts its own. There will also be
volleyball, shag lessons, and much more.

Beer, wine, and “beach” style food will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs and beach blankets and find your spot on the beautiful back lawn at Boone Hall Plantation.

Schedule – Gates open 11am

Boone Hall Beach Blast12:00 – 1:45 Mystic Vibrations
2:00 – 3:00 – Sizzling Summer Bikini Contest
3:30 – 4:30 – The SugarBees
5:00 – 6:30 – The Fantastic Shakers
7:00 – 8:30 – The Tams
9:00 – 10:30 – Maurice Williams – The Zodiacs

For more information, visit www.boonehallplantation.com

Fashion in Focus – Savannah, GA

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Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Gown
Oscar de la Renta for Pierre Balmain, Evening Gown – Haute Couture, black silk tulle with laser-cut tulle skirt and train, c. 2001. Photo by SCAD

The SCAD Museum of Art announces its latest exhibition, “Fashion in Focus: Photos and Evening Wear from the SCAD Museum of Art Collection,” ongoing now through Sept. 30, 227 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

This exhibition of more than 30 objects highlights recent couture gifts to the SCAD Museum of Art including exquisite evening dresses by contemporary designers Ralph Rucci, Oscar de la Renta for Balmain, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Isabel Toledo, Valentino, and Lars Nilsson for Bill Blass. The aesthetic ranges from the sumptuous splendor of an aubergine opera coat and the charm of an ice cream pink ball gown to the clean simple lines of a little black dress or the austere grace of silver and ivory evening dresses.

Among the fashion photographs on view are images from the past few decades by noted photographers Sir Cecil Beaton, Horst P. Horst, Karl Lagerfeld, David Bailey, Arthur Elgort, Herb Ritts and others, in images that graced the pages of Vogue or other fashion journals and featured the top models of the time.

As a teaching museum, the SCAD Museum of Art supports the academic and creative programs at SCAD by providing students with direct encounters with works by major artists while enriching the artistic, educational and cultural offerings available to the university and wider communities. The museum is a cultural gem that adds to Savannah’s reputation as an ideal location for visitors and those interested in the arts and architecture.

For more information about the exhibition and to arrange group tours, call 912.525.7191, or visit www.scad.edu/scadmuseum. Museum hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

St Augustine Amphitheatre in July 2010

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Two big names are coming to St. Augustine Amphitheatre in July – Ringo Starr and his All Star Band and Bad Company.

St Augustine Amphitheatre logoRingo Starr and his All Star Band
Ringo Starr is in 2010 touring with the 11th versions of his All-Starr Band and the group is coming to St Augustine on July 17, 2010 at 7:30 pm. . The All-Starr Band is a concept that was created by producer David Fishof. The band has consistently toured for two decades, and, in similar fashion to Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, rotates its lineup. Usually at an All-Starr Band concert Ringo will perform some of his solo and Beatles songs, and each band member performing a hit from their own career. Participating this time Rick Derringer. Richard Page from Mr. Mister, Wally Palmer from the Romantics, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, and Greg Bissonette.
Click here for information about tickets!

Bad Company
Original members for the British Supergroup “Bad Company” reunite in the summer of 2010 for a tour and visit St Augustine Amphitheatre on Friday, July 23, 2010 at  08:00 PM.

Paul Rogers, Mick Ralphs, & Simon Kirke will be joined by Howard Leese from Heart on Guitar & Bassist Lynn Sorensen to a night to remember. Bad Company’s best known hits include “Can’t Get Enough”, “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy” & “ Bad Company”.

Click here for ticket information!

Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia

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Fourth of July Events in Georgia 2010

4th of July fireworks at Tybee Island, GA

There are lots of fun things to do in coastal Georgia for the Fourth of July weekend. Many cities start their celebration of Independence Day already on the 3rd of July this year. This means that you can actually enjoy fireworks and events all weekend long and make the weekend an extraordinary birthday bash for the country.

SATURDAY JULY 3, 2010

Fireworks Tybee Island Pier
Get an early start for the  Fourth of July weekend and head out to Tybee Island. Here the party starts already on Saturday July 3, 2010, with fireworks at Tybee Pier and Pavilion.
Call 912-786-5444 for more information.

4th of July Festival in St. Marys, Georgia

Independence Day Festival, St Marys, Georgia
Please note that this year, St Marys celebrates the 4th of July already on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010. Come visit historic downtown St Marys, GA, for a delightful Independence Day complete with parade and fireworks. Fireworks at dusk.  For more information call 912.882-4000

Cannons Across the Marsh, Fort King George, Darien
On Saturday- July 3, 2010 from 10am-4pm, Fort King George State Historic Site will be hosting their annual Cannons Across the Marsh celebration in honor of Independence Day.  Artillery and musket firings will be going on throughout the day.  Free watermelon and lemonade will be served.  Also, Boston Butts will be sold at $25 and may be picked up on the 3rd.  RSVPs for Boston Butts are being accepted now and must be received no later than June 30th.  Additionally, BBQ sandwiches will be sold during the day on Saturday the 3rd.

Fort King George State Historic Site, 302 McIntosh Rd. SE, Darien, GA  31305

Call (912) 437-4770 or www.gastateparks.org/fortkinggeorge

Sunday July 4, 2010

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, Brunswick, GA
Come to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick for an Old Fashioned Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2010, for the whole family.  Lots of fun with games, contests, free watermelon and much more. Fireworks at dusk. Downtown Brunswick. Contact 912-265-4032

Jekyll Island Beach, Georgia

Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show, St Simons Island, Georgia
This annual arts and crafts festival takes place in Postell Park in the village. Come and get inspiration for your next art project, or find that perfect gift! Painting, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, garden art, wood craft, photography, sculpture, sweetgrass baskets, art glass and much much more.

Fireworks July 4.  July 2 – 4, 2010. Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show. Pier Village Parks, St. Simons Island. Pier Village Association. Call 912-262-0628. Fireworks on St Simon’s at 9 pm!

Fourth of July Celebration – Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island is a gorgeous island to visit, so if you have friends and family in town, it might be a great idea to head out to the beach on Jekyll Island.  Every year Jekyll Island hosts a family-fun party at the Beachdeck . The fireworks finale is said to be one of the best in the area. Click here to read more about the Jekyll Island Fourth of July Extravaganza

For more information call 877-4-JEKYLL

Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia

Fantastic Fourth of July on River Street, Savannah, GA
In Savannah, the celebration takes place on River Street in the downtown district.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in River Street style in Savannah, Georgia. The party starts at 5 p.m. on the plaza with live entertainment, ice cream eating contests and more. Fireworks will begin around 9:20 p.m.
Call 912.234.0295 or visit www.riverstreetsavannah.com

Click here to read all about Fourth of July events in Savannah