Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Fourth of July in South Carolina

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4th of July in Coastal South Carolina

Since Independence Day is a national holiday,  many families get together and for a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of extra time off 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, and there are a lot of events going on.

Here are a few suggestions:

 

Fourth of July F-16 Fly Over – Pawleys Island
July 4, 2012

Turn your eyes to the eastern sky on the Fourth of July to wave to the F-16s of the 77th Fighter Squadron. “The Gamblers” of the 20th Fighter Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base will conduct a flyover of the South Carolina Coast. Listen to the sound of freedom as the F-16s roar along our shoreline. Spectators are urged to wear and wave the red, white and blue along the beaches during the flyover. The flyover, which is organized by the non-profit organization, Salute from the Shore, and the Town of Pawleys Island.

Murrels Inlet 4th of july boat parade
Boat Parade, Murrells Inlet, SC

 

Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade
July 4, 2012

The 29th Annual July 4th Boat Parade kicks off at 9am (high tide) from Garden City Point.  This year’s parade theme is “Red, White & View!  Inlet-style Tried and True.”  The parade will head over to the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and then follow the Murrells Inlet shoreline down to the Hot Fish Club.  Best public viewing points are the Marshwalk, Belin Methodist Church, Nance’s Restaurant, Captain Pooh’s Restaurant and the Hot Fish Club.  Click here to visit our page.

 

Patriot's Point Charleston, SCFourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point – Mount Pleasant, SC
July 4, 2012

This is without doubt the biggest Fourth of July celebration in South Carolina every year. Patriot’s Point in Charleston, SC, hosts a big firework display. The fireworks are shot from the deck of USS Yorktown. You can get all the details about the Fourth of July Blast at Patriot’s Point right here.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper
July 4, 2012

Dance the night away at the Cooper. This is one of the most popular events for the Summer in the Charleston area. Read more about this recurring event here.

27th Annual Firecracker 5000 – Hilton Head Island,SC
July 4, 2012

The 5K (3.1 miles) Hilton Head Firecracker 5000 course starts and finishes behind the Mall at Shelter Cove at Shelter Cove Community Park and takes participants through the fast and flat roads around Shelter Cove Harbour. The festive post-race celebration features music, fresh fruit, ice cold refreshments, door prizes and more. For more details about where to watch fireworks on Hilton Head Island, SC, just visit our special page for 4th of July Hilton Head Island.

Summerville, SC, parade
Non-motorized parade in Summerville, SC.

 

Red, White and Blue on the Green – Summerville, SC
July 1, 2012 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Historic downtown Summerville will be transformed into an Independence Day street festival. Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management) will be hosting the Annual Red, White & Blue On the Green with children’s activity stations, jump castles, live music and food stands. Summerville’s free family and community celebration! There is a special non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers – all decked out for America!! Music and concessions start at 5 p.m. Please note that Summerville is celebrating Fourth of July a little bit earlier this year, which is perfect. You can make it to Summerville for the celebration on July 1 and then celebrate again in Charleston for July 4th. Get all the details for the Red, White and Blue on the Green in Summerville right here.

 North Charleston 4th of July

The City of North Charleston is hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2011 from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. This year’s event features Common Ground, Coastrunners, Atlanta Pleasure Band, and Ruben Studdard, along with other activities throughout the event, ending a wonderful day with a spectacular fireworks display at dark, coordinated with live music from Equinox Jazz Band. The North Charleston 4th of July Festival boasts the largest fireworks show in the State of South Carolina. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. No alcohol is permissible within the park. A wide variety of food vendors are always on site. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. The City of North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival is our largest sponsored event. Annually held at Riverfront Park, the Festival features nationally renowned performers, such as Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Marshall Tucker Band, and Lee Greenwood.

Fourth of July Cocktails

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Celebrate Fourth of July with a colorful cocktail to spice things up at your party. These cocktails were inspired by the the many colors of fireworks.

Get ready to have a blast and put your best cocktail glasses on the counter. You will impress your guests with these tasty, explosive cocktails.

Fourth of July CocktailsRoman Candle

3 oz. Three-O Berry Vodka

½ Oz. Cranberry Juice

Dash of Grenadine

½ oz. Blue Curacao
Shake vodka, cranberry juice and grenadine in a shaker with ice. Strain into martini glass. Pour Blue Curaçao gently down the side of the glass so it comes to settle on the bottom.

The Sparkler 4th of July cocktailsSparkler

1 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka

2 oz. Sparkling Wine

Splash POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

Combine vodka and pomegranate juice in the bottom of a champagne flute

Top with sparkling wine or champagne

Fire Cracker 4th of July cocktailsFire Cracker

2 oz. Three-O Grape Vodka

½ oz. Blue Curacao

Splash Tonic

Shake vodka and blue curacao with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass

Add tonic and garnish with a cherry

Cherry bomber fourth of july drinksCherry Bomber

1 ½ oz. Three-O Cherry Vodka

4 oz. Ginger Ale

Splash of grenadine

Mix in a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry

With 17 unique flavors, Three Olives provides endless unique mixing opportunities to try at home or at the bar.Three Olives flavored vodkas prove to hit the mark without overpowering, and already have numerous accolades, including Impact Magazine’s Hot Brand Award, already in their favor. Three Olives Vodka comes highly recommended by prestigious publications such as Wine Enthusiast, Quarterly Review of Wines, Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, and more.
Three Olives was also named the #1 Vodka by Russian Life Magazine, upsetting numerous upscale vodka brands.


Fourth of July in Georgia

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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 watch the new weekly show video for Fourth of July in Georgia

Savannah Swings!

This event has become a yearly tradition in Savannah, and no wonder. It’s definitely very special way to celebrate the 4th of July. Just listen to this.

First, start out with a delicious picnic catered by the First City Club in Reynolds Square. There is really no better way to get a feel for the first city than by spending time in the squares, and why not a picnic. It is after all Fourth of July.

After the picnic, it’s time to head inside the cool Lucas Theater. This time of year, heading inside, can be a great way to cool off. Now you’re going to experience a cool jazz concert with “Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra” with singers Clay Johnson, Adam Jones, Trae Gurley and Huxsie Scott and Special Guest Kim Polote.
Don’t get too relaxed, because then it’s time to move to the beat, this time we’re following the band’s lead. We’re follwing the musicians in a New Orleans-style procession from the front of the Lucas, down the Abercorn ramp, all the way down to River Street. Here it’s time to sit again. This is where you’ll find the best seat in the town for fireworks viewing right on the river. Savannah swings!

Tickets for the concert, parade and seats are $25 for adults, and $10 children 12 and under. There is a $5 discount for military, fire & police.

Tickets for the picnic are available for an additional $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under.

The picnic is 3.30 – 5.oo pm and the concert starts at 6 p.m. at the Lucas Theatre.

All tickets are available by calling 912-525-5050.

Savannah Georgia Fourth of July

Fireworks Tybee Island Pier

Get an early start for the 4th of July weekend and head out to Tybee Island. Here the party starts already on Friday July 3rd with fireworks at Tybee Pier and Pavilion.

Call 912-786-5444 for more information.

Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show, St Simons Island, Georgia

This 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.

July 3-5 from 10 am to 5 pm.

912.262.0628

Fireworks on St Simon’s at 9 pm!

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, Brunswick, GA

Come to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick for an Old Fashioned Independence Day celebration for the whole family. Lots of fun with games, contests, free watermelon and much more. Fireworks at dusk.

4th of July Celebration – Jekyll Island, GA

Jekyll Island is one of our favorite places to visit, and the beach is gorgeous. So if you have friends and family in town, it might be a great idea to head out to Jekyll Island. Take a quick tour of the historic Landmark district and then head to the beach deck. Jekyll Island hosts a family-fun party at the Beachdeck featuring the DeeJay game show – the Big Dawg and Paul Show. The fireworks finale is said to be one of the best in the area.

For more information contact The Jekyll Island Welcome Center: 877-4-JEKYLL

www.jekyllisland.com

Independence Day Festival, St Marys, Georgia

Come visit historic downtown St Marys, GA, for a delightful Independence Day complete with parade and fireworks.

The day starts early with a 5K/10K run, then it is time for the annual parade down main street. Arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment all day. Fireworks at dusk.

For more information call 912.882-4000

Waterfront in Darien, Georgia

Why wait until Saturday, start your party already on Friday in Darien when Mason Waters and The Groove All-Stars perform on the Waterfront Stage in Darien on Friday July 3rd in celebration of Independence Day. Gates open at 6:00pm; Music begins at 7:00pm with FIREWORKS!! scheduled for 9:15pm.

Cannons Across the Marsh, Fort King George, Darien

Join the Garrison for a day of artillery drills, musket firings and soldier’s life activities to honor Independence Day. Free watermelon and lemonade will be served. $3.50-$5. (912) 437-4770.

Fourth of July

Ideas for a Star-Spangled Celebration!

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Celebrate the Fourth! Dine outdoors and serve a fabulous make-ahead menu.

Looking for inspiration for your Independence Day Dinner, take a look at this easy to make and tasty dishes.

Star-Studded Starter

Start with a sassy salsa of in-season sweet, plump Northwest cherries paired with peppers, onion and cilantro! Serve cracker-like crisps – cut from pita breads using star-shaped cookie cutters – for dipping.

Salads Make the Meal

Toss orzo, chicken and sweet cherries with red wine vinaigrette and pack into a star-shaped pan. Chill and then turn out onto a platter for serving. Add a simple mixed green salad topped with glazed almonds, creamy goat cheese and fresh, antioxidant-rich cherries.

Dazzling Dessert Trio

Swirls of red, white and blue candy bark, a giant cupcake adorned with stars and stripes, and luscious frozen cherry cream atop a brownie shell create a perfect patriotic finish to enjoy with the fireworks finale.

Visit www.nwcherries.com for cherry recipes and information about storage, purchasing, nutrition and health.

Check www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas and recipes, plus bakeware, books and decorating supplies.

A Star of a Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 box (16 ounces) orzo
  • 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast or turkey breast
  • 1 1/2 cups diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 cups pitted Northwest Red or Rainier cherries, quartered

Preparation

  1. Line Star Pan with plastic wrap. Prepare orzo following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In large bowl, combine orzo, chicken, bell pepper and shallots. In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, mustard, salt, thyme and black pepper. Pour over orzo mixture; mix well. Gently stir in cherries. Pack into prepared pan. Chill at least 1 hour. To serve, place serving platter over star pan. Carefully turn over to release salad; remove plastic wrap.

Serves
Makes about 12 servings

Cherry Salsa With Star Crisps

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups pitted Northwest cherries, quartered
  • 1/3 cup finely diced sweet red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely diced purple onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Star Crisps

Preparation

  1. In medium bowl, place crushed red pepper. Stir in boiling water; let stand at least 10 minutes. Stir in lime juice, vinegar, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add cherries, bell pepper and onion; gently stir. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir in cilantro and serve. Serve with Star Crisps.

Serves
Makes about 4 cups salsa

Star Crisps

Ingredients

  • 2 packages pocket pita breads (6 inch or larger)
  • Olive or vegetable oil
  • Coarsely ground salt and pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Using 2.4-inch or 3.23-inch star cutter, press and cut shapes from pita; pull apart into two pieces. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheet. Brush with oil. If desired, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.

Serves
Makes 10 to 15 crisps

Mixed Green Salad With Northwest Cherries, Almonds & Goat Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pitted Bing cherries
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pound (about 8 cups) mixed salad greens, washed, dried, and chilled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Bing or other dark Northwest cherries, split in half and pitted
  • 1 log (4 ounces) fresh white goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup glazed sliced almonds*

Preparation

  1. In blender or food processor fitted with steel blade, purée 1/4 cup cherries, vinegar and oil until smooth; set dressing aside.
  2. In large bowl, gently toss greens with dressing. Add salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1 cup cherries, goat cheese and almonds; toss gently. Serve immediately.

Serves
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
*Found pre-packaged in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Red, White and Blue Bark

Ingredients

  • 1 package (14 ounces) White Candy Melts
  • 1 package (14 ounces) Red Candy Melts
  • 1 package (14 ounces) Blue Candy Melts
  • Cinnamon drop sprinkles or crushed peppermint pinwheel candies

Preparation

  1. Line cookie pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt each package of Candy Melts following package instructions. Spoon candy into prepared pan distributing colors randomly. Tap pan on counter to remove air bubbles; with spoon or butter knife, marble candy in pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon drops or crushed peppermint candies. Chill until firm, about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove parchment from pan; break candy into smaller serving pieces.

Serves
Each piece serves 1

America’s Star Cupcake

Ingredients

  • 6 cups of your favorite pound cake batter
  • 3 cups buttercream icing
  • Red-Red and Royal Blue icing color
  • Patriotic nonpareils
  • 2 packages Patriotic Stars icing decorations

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Giant Cupcake Pan cavities with vegetable pan spray with flour.
  2. Pour 3 1/2 cups batter into base/bottom half of pan and 2 1/2 cups batter into top part of pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pan 20 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely.
  3. Stack cake layers on serving plate with icing between layers. Decorate sides of cupcake with lines of red and blue Decorating Tip #18 stars. Cover cupcake top with white icing using Decorating Tip #1M stars. Sprinkle with nonpareils; attach icing decorations.

Serves
Makes 12 servings

Black Forest Brownie With Frozen Cherry Cream

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 pound (about 4 cups) individually quick-frozen cherries
  • 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
  • 2 packages (about 15 ounces each) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size)
  • Eggs, water and oil to prepare mix
  • Vanilla Whipped Icing or whipped topping
  • Whole Bing cherries, for garnish

Preparation

  1. In medium bowl, combine sugar, water, lemon juice and extract; stir until sugar is dissolved. Place in freezer until slushy, about 1 1/2 hours.
  2. In food processor fitted with grater attachment, grate frozen cherries. Immediately whisk into slushy sugar syrup. Cover with plastic wrap or place in airtight container. Freeze 2 to 3 hours or until mixture is a soft serve consistency. Fold in ice cream; freeze 8 hours or overnight.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Dessert Shell Pan with vegetable pan spray. In large bowl, prepare brownie mix following package instructions; spoon 1/2 the batter into cavities of prepared pan.
  4. Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Place cooled brownie dessert shell on plate; add scoop of cherry ice cream mixture; add whipped icing and cherry to garnish.

Serves
Makes about 6 servings

SOURCE:
Northwest Cherry Growers
Wilton Industries, Inc.