Since Independence Day is a national holiday, many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with relatives. The first week of July is usually one of the busiest travel times of the year. Many people are heading to South Carolina for the Fourth of July weekend.
Here is a list of some of the events:
Fourth of July Boat Parade – Murrells Inlet, SC
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC
The boat parade in Murrells Inlet draws visitors from near and far to the quaint little fishing village on the inlet. The theme for 2011 is “Ride the Inlet Wave of Freedomâ€. The boat parade is also followed by fireworks.
Make it a day and plan to come early and stay late. There are also lots of nice restaurants and bars in the area. Check out our special events page for Murrells Inlet Boat Parade.
4th of July Blast Patriot’s Point – Charleston, SC
Patriot's Point Charleston, SC
This is one of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations in South Carolina. There is a festival at Patriot’s Point with lots of fun for the whole family followed by fireworks.
Patriot’s Point has been named by media as one of the top destinations for Fourth of July.
The city of Summerville celebrates Independence Day with a festival on Saturday, July 3, 2011 in the downtown area. This event includes all kinds of activities, but something that we noticed is the parade.
Many cities have Fourth of July parades, but Summerville’s parade has an additional twist to it. The parade does not allow any motorized vehicles – which brings out all kinds of creative means of transportations from rollerblades to bicycles and more.
Independence Day at Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
July 2 – 3, 2011, Â South Carolina residents receive 1/2 off admission with a valid driver’s license
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
Visit Arthur Middleton’s home, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. You can listen to fife and drums as reenactors celebrate Independence Weekend at Middleton Place.  During this special event the time period of the American Revolution will  come to life with the Second South Carolina Regiment encampment in the Plantation Stableyards.
You and your family gets an opportunity to see  how the troops lived in their camp. The event also includes both cooking and musket firing demonstrations.  At 1:00 p.m. on both days, you can hear formal readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Mount Plesant, SCUncle Sam Jam – Mount Pleasant, SC
A perfect spot to celebrate the 4th of July is the Mount Pleasant Pier at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The fairly new pier stretches 1,250 feet out in the water and is an excellent vantage spot for firework watching. But that’s not the only thing going on at this location. There is also the popular Uncle Sam Jam at the pier. Â The band with the suitable name for the season – Permanent Vacation – is performing playing a variety of music from beach music to party music. For $10 you can dance the night away under the stars and watch the fireworks. (The front section of the pier will still be open without admission fee for those who just want to watch the fireworks). Gates open at 7 pm, and music starts at 8 pm. Only 800 tickets will be sold, so visit www.ccprc.com to get purchase your tickets early.
Italian Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC
Many people visit Myrtle Beach for the Fourth of July weekend and there are lots of different events and fireworks. One of the more unusual events is the Italian Festival in Valor Park.
Even if you are not Italian, but just love good italian food -you are welcome to Valor Park for a special Italian American celebration.
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.
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.
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.
Fourth of July at Middleton Place
American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place. Â Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards. Â Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution. Â 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. Â House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee.
American Revolution period comes to life at historic Middleton Place. Â Guests can interact with war reenactors from the Second South Carolina Regiment and visit their encampment in the Plantation Stableyards. Â Musket firing, cooking and camp-life demonstrations on the Greensward, and special House Museum tours focusing on Arthur Middleton and the American Revolution. Â 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. Â House and carriage tours are an additional nominal fee. Â 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.
A fun thing to do in spring is to visit the small town of Summerville, South Carolina, to enjoy blooming azaleas and southern hospitality during the popular Flowertown Festival. The 38th Annual flowertown Festival takes place on March 26 – 28. Every year Summerville celebrates the passing of winter with over 250,000 of its closest friends.
Lots and lots of Art!
The popular Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival has been a South Carolina tradition since 1971. More than 200 artisans from across the country come to the Festival to show their skills and sell their art. You’ll find a wide variety of arts and crafts from painting, pottery, glassworking, woodworking, needlework and much, much more!
Taste of the Town
But the three-day event is not only about art. You can also enjoy delicious foods from local restaurants at the Taste of the Town,there is also fun activities and rides for children at the Children’s Jubilee. Now if that isn’t enough to convince you there is also free admission and parking. This festival has consistently ranked one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
The festival is open on Friday and Saturday from 9-5 and on Sunday from 9-4 for more information visit the Flowertown Festival website
The Taste of the Town is held on the Sunday before Veteran’s Day to honor all veterans. Summerville’s Taste of the Town is also a celebration of great food, music and community. Azalea Park is the idyllic setting for this delicious event where you can sample food from top area restaurants while listening to live music in the park. Meanwhile the kids can enjoy themselves in the Kid’s Zone which comes with both jump castles and slides. Admission to the event is free. Food tickets for individually priced “tastes†are offered around the park. Call (843) 873-2931 for more information.
Summerville’s 8th Annual Taste of the Town on November 8, 2009
12:00 Noon to 4 pm in Azalea Park
Summerville’s own 4th of July celebration is called the Red, White and Blue on the Green. This event brings back an old fashioned Independence Day Celebration and focuses on event suitable for the whole family.
Like most other 4th of July celebrations, Summerville also puts on a parade – but this parade is different. This parade does not allow motorized vehicles!
I honestly don’t know if this is Summerville’s own way of contributing to the green movement, but in any case it does make watching the parade an absolute must. I can just imagine all the festive wagons, pulled by people on rollerblades, skateboards…and more.
Red, White and Blue on the Green includes games and activities for all ages. The information we received mentions “live contestsâ€. So make sure to show up and look alive when you do. If contests are not your thing, maybe we can tempt you with face painting, jumping castles, music, hotdogs or apple pie.
The day will end with spectacular fireworks display. The Red, White & Blue on the Green, Summerville’s Fourth of July Celebration, will be held Friday, July 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Summerville’s Town Square. The event is hosted by Summerville D.R.E.A.M.
