Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fourth of July in South Carolina, 2009

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4th of July Blast at Patriots Point, Charleston
One of the best places to watch fireworks and celebrate Independence Day has to be Patriots Point in Charleston.

Fourth of July South CarolinaFirst, during the day there is a action-filled festival with live music, a kids Zone, a beverage garden with both soda and adult libations, and a food village. Admission to the actual land festival is free, but there is admission fee to the ships, Medal of Honor Museum and exhibits.

(Click here to watch our newest videos for Fourth of July)

The fireworks display is one of the bests in the country. Fireworks begin at 10:05 PM. The fireworks show has been calledd “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” by the New York Times. Fireworks is set to patriotic music and launched from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown with the Charleston Harbor as a backdrop.

27,500 people showed up last year, so come early and prepare to stay late. Read more about the 4th of July Blast at Patriots Point, Charleston, SC

Middleton Place Celebrates Independence Day Weekend – Charleston, SC
Remember exactly why we’re celebrating Independence Day, and learn more about how it all started with a real Independence Day celebration at Middleton Place. Take a step back in time, hear the fife and drums and smell the gun powder at the home of Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Here you can walk through an 18th century military camp with re-enactors and experience up close and personal how the troops lived. There will also be cooking and musket firing demonstrations, and ceremonies commemorating the contributions of Arthur and Henry Middleton.
At 3:00 pm the Declaration of Independence is read.
Regular Admission. Call 843-556-6020 or visit middletonplace.org

Luau in the Swamp
Maybe you’re looking for something a little bit more exotic than your common picnic, barbeque, parade and firework combo, and I have found a great little event for you. Take the whole family to a Luau at Cypress Gardens on Independence Day for a big birthday bash called “Luau in the Swamp”.

Wait, it’s not as odd as it sounds.

Fourth of July Party in South Carolina 2009This is the year the state of Hawaii is officially “over the hill” – or to put it in plain English; it’s Hawaii’s 50th anniversary of statehood. So Cypress Gardens is putting on a big party on the 4th of July and everyone is invited. If you and your family want to experience a little bit of Hawaii in South Carolina, just head out to Cypress Gardens. It’s a whole lot cheaper than flying to Hawaii.

As expected, hula dancers and ukulele band will be a part of the entertainment lineup. Everyone is invited to enter the limbo and the Hawaiin costume contest. The kids will love it, and I’m afraid my wife won’t be able to resist either. In that case, it’ll be one of those events one will be glad to forget, but the kids will remember for ever.

You’re also invited to bring your own ice cream churn and enter the ice cream contest. I can see it clearly now. I’ll be forced to wear a Hawaiian shirt with pink flowers and parrots and carry an ice cream churn under one arm, and under the other, a wife dressed in a hula outfit ready to limbo.

What can I say…oh poi!

I was encouraged to hear that The Supporters of Historical Cypress Garden will roast a pig, because I know that will be delicious. There will also be other island food available, and for the less adventurous among us the American staple of hot dogs and hamburgers.

Call 843-553-0515 or visit www.cypressgardens.info. More details in the events calendar for Luau in the Swamp at Cypress Gardens, South Carolina

fourth of July Celebration in South Carolina 2009Festival in the Park – Moncks Corner, SC
Celebrate the 4th of July at Old Santee Canal Park. This is an event for the whole family with live music and entertainment, a classic car and truck show, and pet shows. The Berkeley Artist’s Guild’s annual members show will be in the Berkeley Museum from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. And to cap the day off, fireworks will go off at dusk.

For more information call 843-899-5200 or visit www.oldsanteecanalpark.org

Red, White and Blue on the Green, Summerville, SC
This year’s annual 4th of July Celebration in Historic Summerville is going to be a celebration of gigantic proportions. There will be live music featuring 60 Cycle Humm, a magic show by Van Doren the Magician, Jump Castles, Hot dogs and Hamburgers, Barbeque, Ice Cream, Cold Drinks. Also tons of games and Contests for the whole family, the Patriotic “Non Motorized Parade” and one of South Carolina’s most fantastic Fireworks Displays.

MYRTLE BEACH

Star Spangled Celebration
Come celebrate Independence Day in Myrtle Beach with face painting, sidewalk sales, Balloons by Green Jelly Bean, Pony and Camel Rides, petting zoo, patriotic music, beach music and of course fireworks

Hwy. 17 Bypass between 21st and 29th Ave. Additional satellite parking will located at the old NASCAR Grille with free shuttle buses service.

Call 843-444-3200 for more information or visit www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com. visit our events calendar for Star Spangled Celebration in Myrtle Beach.

The Market Common Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy music, children’s activities and fireworks as we celebrate our Independence Day Celebration at the Market Commons, 4017 Deville Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 on July 4th from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Visit www.MarketCommonEvents.com or call 843-839-3500

Fourth of July in SC
Independence Day Celebration at the Surfside Pier
Surfside has its own 4th of July festival at the pier. Steve Fairchild, who has been called the city of Surfside’s own “Garth”, is performing, but if that’s not enough to convince you to head to the pier – how about free ice cream and watermelon? There’s also concessions available with hot dogs,hamburgers,chips &drinks


Murrells Inlet Boat Parade
Celebrate Independence Day with a unique 4th of July tradition, South Carolina style. Plan for a full day for the whole family, beginning with a boat parade.

26th Annual July 4th Boat Parade at high tide – Freedom is Fine in 2009. Watch a parade of creatively decorated boats cruising down the creek. The fitting theme for this year is “Freedom is Fine in 2009”. The best view is from the Marsh walk area. Make sure to arrive early to get the best spot. Boat Parade starts at 5 p.m. Call 843-357-2007 for info.

Have a picnic dinner with your family for the 4th of July (check out some of our recipes) or visit one of the restaurants in the area. You’ll have time to finish off your meal before it’s time to head down to the water again for fireworks. (Read the calendar entry for Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, South Carolina)

July Fourth Fireworks at 10pm
Fireworks are shot off over the Inlet waters. Thousands of people line the shores to enjoy the display. Call 843-357-2007.

Hilton Head Island

Firecracker 5000, Hilton Head Island, SC
Work up a healthy appetite for all those barbeques and picnics on Independence Day and start out with a run or walk 5K Run fourth of July Hilton Head Island, SCduring the Firecracker 5000 race on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
The 5K (3.1 miles) Island Packet Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove. This is a fast and flat course around Shelter Cove Harbour. The independence day inspired post-race celebration features live music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. (Visit the events calendar for Firecracker 5000, Hilton Head Island, SC)

Visit www.bearfootsports.com for more information.

Fireworks at Shelter Cove on July 4th, Hilton Head Island, SC
Shannon Tanner will perform at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a special Harbourfest celebration and perform a selection of patriotic music.
Call 800-827-3006 for more information or visit hiltonheadisland.org

Harbourfest 2009 July 4th Celebration, Hilton Head Island, SC
Don’t miss the special Fourth of July fireworks show, which offers a vibrant extravaganza of light over the harbor at Shelter Cove Harbour.

Skull Creek Fireworks, Hilton Head Island, SC
Free Community Fireworks display from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway – Skull Creek at 9:30PM. Live outside entertainment begin at 6PM at Hudson’s, Boathouse II, and Charley’s Crab. Food and beverages available.

Free Parking and Shuttle Service is offer from 6pm – 10pm from the Boys and Girls Club on Gumtree Rd to parking lot at Hudsons (pick up and return). Shuttle is offered by the Island Rec Center.

Call 843-681-6444 or visit www.islandreccenter.org

Young Boys running with Flag

Independence Day in Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Florida

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Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival – Fernandina, Amelia Island, FL

What better way to celebrate America’s independence than the Stars and Stripes Festival in Fernandina, Florida? The festival takes place in Amelia Island’s Central Park and begins with a patriotic parade down Centre Street at 7:00 p.m. in the historic district; followed by a barrage of fireworks to conclude the festivities.

This annual observance of America’s liberation takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Bring the whole family to the park for lots of activities and fun. First and foremost, there’s the Touch-A-Truck Public Safety display. Here you, or your little ones, can get hands on, up close and personal look at a number of fascinating vehicles. There will be fire trucks, police cars, garbage trucks, excavators – even an 18 wheel log truck and helicopter is scheduled. The vehicles on display come from the City of Fernandina Beach Police, Fire/Rescue and Streets Departments, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and Fire/Rescue, Florida Highway Patrol, Coast Guard, and more.
This event is a sure hit with the younger ones.

Other activities include a Parent-Child Look-A-Like Contest. Sign up starting at 10 a.m., the contest itself at 1:00 p.m. I thought about asking one of my teenagers to participate with me, but I’m sure the answer would be a “No Way”. So instead I had my hopes up for the All American Apple Pie Contest. It turns out that you have to bake pies, so I quickly crossed that off my list. Then there’s of course the usual stuff with Fun for the Kids playground, food, arts and crafts vendors.

Also the band FACE FOR RADIO, will perform on the Pirate Ship Stage during the festival.

Festival goers are invited to wear red, white and blue for the Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival Parade starting at 7 p.m. After the parade, everyone will gather in front of the Depot to enjoy music in the spirit of Independence Day by the community choir, the Sine Nomine Singers and the New Horizons Band of the Amelia Arts Academy.

After dark, it’s time to find a spot to watch the fireworks. The fireworks exhibition can be viewed to the south of the Fernandina Harbor Marina at approximately 9:30 p.m. A perfect close to a perfect day.

More information, concert agenda, and applications for the contests can be found at www.shinybadgesball.com.

hand-fireworks
Click here to visit our events calendar for Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival in Fernandina, Amelia Island, Florida

Sun Fun Festival 2009 – Myrtle Beach, Sc

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For almost 60 years, people have come to the Grand Strand for the food and the festivities at the Sun Fun Festival. This year the event includes with the Miss Sun Fun USA/Teen USA pageants, celebrity meet-and-greets, beach games, sporting events, a concert featuring Lifehouse, a kids’ fair and much more. Visit South Carolina for the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach, June 4th though 8th, 2009.

June 5 – 7
H2X Racing’s 2009 Tour presented by Sea-Doo, WizzardX Media and Res-Q Energy Drink, beachfront between Damon’s Grill (2985 S. Ocean Blvd.) and Springmaid Beach Resort (3200 S. Ocean Blvd.), June 5-7 – Personal watercraft racing as part of the American Power Boat Association national tour. New this year, APBA national champion and professional racer Rob Greenwald will teach a beginner racing school. Competition free to spectators.

June 5
Start the fun on Friday with live entertainment. Bring family and friends, chairs and blankets (no coolers, please) and enjoy free live entertainment. Food vendors will be open Friday – so come hungry.

June 6
Celebrity Meet-and-Greets with recording artist Blake Lewis of “American Idol” fame (season 6 runner-up). Blake will be performing live and you can also meet-and-greets with Lewis, Jason Earles of “Hannah Montana” and Robert Newman of “Guiding Light.” This is a free event.

Concert Featuring Lifehouse, June 6 –Free.
H2X Racing Demonstrations on the Lake, June 6 – Free.
Kids Zone Games, June 6 – inflatable rides, games and more. Free.

Miss Sun Fun festival pageant

2010 Miss Sun Fun and Miss Sun Fun Teen Pageant, Myrtle Beach High School, June 6 – A Myrtle Beach tradition, the pageants began in 1960 to symbolize one of the largest annual festivals in the Carolinas. Miss Sun Fun and Miss Sun Fun Teen applications are being accepted until May 1. Admission $15.

Sun Fun Beach Run, North Myrtle Beach, June 6 – Take your pick of a 5K run/walk or a 1-mile fun run sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and city of North Myrtle Beach in cooperation with the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and North Myrtle Beach Recreation Department. Free for spectators. Click here for registration information.

Sun Fun Festival Fireworks Extravaganza, June 6 – Free.

Click here for more details about the Sun Fun Festival 2009 in Myrtle Beach.

Beach Bum Parade on Tybee Island, Georgia

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Who doesn’t want to be a beach bum on Tybee? It sounds like a dream. But the Beach Bum Parade is really not your regular everyday parade. They have floats just like a normal parade, but the people on the floats are armed with water guns and other “weapons”. Same with the spectators lining the street.

The Beach Bum Parade is basically a gigantic water gun fight on the streets of Tybee Island, it’s all good fun and a way to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.

The Beach Bum parade will start at 6:30 p.m. from the North Beach.   The parade will travel down the main street, ending at the fishing pier and pavilion.

visit our calendar for more information about The Beach Bum Parade on Tybee Island 2009

Beach Bum Parade

Wild Amelia Nature Festival 2009

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This year’s festival is highlighting the Right Whale. Every year the festival chooses a focal point, last year it was the gopher tortoise and the year before the painted bunting.

There are only about 350 Northern Right Whales left, which is why the festival is highlighting them this time around.

There are lots of different activities during the festival. You can learn about nature photography in several different workshops. There are also lots of eco-tours; from segway tours, to paddles in Okefenokee swamp at night, to stargazing at Fort Clinch.

There’s also early morning yoga followed by birdwatching on the porch, nature bike hike,  sunset boat tour and owl prowl.

There is just such a variety of things to do during the festival, the best thing to do is to visit the website and study the program.

For contact information and phone number, visit or post Wild Amelia Festival May 15 – 17, 2009

Wild Amelia Nature Festival
Photo by: Roger Graw