Fireworks Spectacular on the Lake: Spirit of Lake Murray Cruise

Saturday July 2, 2011

Watch the skies light up with the annual fabulous Lake Murray fireworks display from one of the best vantage points on the Lake! The Spirit of Lake Murray Cruise Yacht is offering a Fireworks Cocktail/Reception Style Cruise on Saturday, July 2nd. Boarding begins at 7:30pm and sailing is from 8:00pm - 11:00pm. Enjoy a wonderful menu including Lowcountry Chicken Bog, Spinach Dip with pita chips, shrimp and grits, roast beef po' boys and veggies with herb ranch. Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website for details.

First Fridays:Village Artists Gallery at Village at Sandhill

Friday July 1, 2011

A new show each month! Come visit the Village Artists Gallery to see new work & exhibits by different artists each month. Meet the artists & ask questions if you have any or just browse. Wine & cheese is served, live music on occasion, so join the fun & stop by. 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Torchlight Tatoo and Fireworks: Hilton Field | Fort Jackson

Friday, July 1, 2011

The public is invited to attend the annual Torchlight Tattoo and Fireworks display on Hilton Field. The traditional "Torchlight Tattoo" ceremony will be performed, where torches are lit and flags are displayed, representing each of the nation's 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia, music by the 282nd Army "Victory" Band, and finally 30 minutes of great fireworks. The field opens at 4 pm and the Tattoo begins at 8:30 pm. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome; bleacher, grandstand seating available. No pets, coolers, alcohol, or personal fireworks. Food vendors are available at 5 pm. More info.

Free Wine Tasting Event: Sam's Fine Wine and Spirits

Friday, July 1, 2011 and every Friday

Not your average liquor store. Lexington's largest selection of liquor,wine, and beer. You'll be amazed at the wine selection. Come taste and learn new wines with an experienced sommelier at Sam's Fine Wine in Lexington every Friday afternoon, then purchase a couple bottles to enjoy this weekend! Why not try a couple American wines to celebrate Independence Day? Like Sam's on facebook!

July 4th Celebration on Lake Murray: Lake Murray Country

Saturday July 2, 2011

The 2011 July 4th Celebration on Lake Murray will take place Saturday, July 2, 2011. The 4th of July Celebration is 23 years old this year! We invite you to participate in and/or be a spectator to South Carolina’s “Largest 4th of July Fireworks Display.” Without the support of businesses and community members at the Taste of Lake Murray each year, this patriotic holiday event would not be possible. 12:30pm beginning at Bomb Island- Boat Parade - Sponsored by The Southern Patriot. At dusk (approx. 9:15pm) – Fireworks, launching from both Spence & Dreher Islands. While you watch, tune into B106.7FM and Magic 98.5FM for the patriotic musical show that the fireworks are choreographed to! [Visit Capital City Lake Murray Country's website for details] Best places to watch fireworks: from aboard the Spirit of Lake Murray or from your boat or from Dreher Island State Park. More information!

Independence Day Celebration: Finlay Park

Saturday July 2, 2011

In conjunction with the City's Summer Concert Series in Finlay Park, the Independence Day Celebration includes an area for the kiddies with face painting and bounce house, handmade arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, live music by The Entertainers, and fireworks.

Freedom Festival: Village at Sandhill

Monday July 4, 2011

Village at Sandhill’s annual Freedom Festival returns on July 4th with a day of arts, crafts, and music that will cap off with the mid-state’s premier fireworks show. The Richland County Sherriff’s Department will also be on-hand with equipment displays and demonstrations. A full slate of the area’s top music talent is also scheduled throughout the day featuring bands Rock Candy at 2:00pm, Angela Easterling and The Beguilers at 5:00pm, and The Fabulous Kays rounding out the evening’s live music at 7:30pm. The fireworks show kicks off at 9:30pm. Visit the Village at Sandhill website.

Lexington County Peach Festival: Gilbert

Monday July 4, 2011

As the Lexington County Peach Festival celebrates its 53rd year on July 4th, the Festival offers a full day of fun with the celebration of America’s birthday. Arts and crafts, children’s rides, and great foods will be available for varying fees in the Gilbert Community Park on Rikard Circle. A parade, three stages of entertainment, an antique tractor and farm equipment display, a car show, a Revolutionary War re-enactment, and a fireworks show will be available without charge. The Revolutionary War re-enactment will host cannon firings at specific times of the day as well as a reading of the Declaration of Independence at noon. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m., and the fireworks show begins at 10:00 p.m. Pageant activities are throughout the day. Enjoy the activities, the shade, and the bar-be-cue, hot dogs, hamburgers, peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach slush, peach parfaits, peach zip, peach berry split, peach sundaes, peach tea, peach almond delights, fresh peaches, soft drinks, bottled water, and iced tea. Food and drink items will be served until 11 p.m., but plate lunches and cobbler will sell out early. Peach Festival Website.

2011 Fireworks Extravaganza: Newberry High School

Monday July 4, 2011

The 2011 Fireworks Extravaganza takes place at Newberry High School. This family friendly event features games for the kids and food for all ages. Activities start at 6:00 pm and the fireworks finale begins at dusk. For more information contact the Newberry County Sheriff's Office at (803)321-2211.

Visit Revolutionary War Sites: Various Locations

Looking for an inexpensive way to spend one of your holidays this long weekend? Celebrate this 4th of July weekend learning about our country's struggle for independence... so much of it happened right here in the Midlands! Start with a visit to Camden - Spend a few peaceful hours where the British spent a rough year. After the siege of Charleston, Lord Charles Cornwallis and 2,500 British soldiers marched to Camden and set up their main backcountry supply post. For the next 11 months the town was occupied. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Website.. Head west of Columbia to Ninety Six, where the first land battle of the Revolutionary War fought south of New England took place at Ninety Six in 1775. Website. Head north to Cowpens - a pasturing area at the time of the battle, this Revolutionary War site commemorates the place where Daniel Morgan and his army turned the flanks of Banastre Tarleton's British army. This classic military tactic, known as a double envelopment, was one of only a few in history. Website.

Additional Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

The Princess and the Pea: Columbia Children's Theatre

Now through July 28, 2011
Join CCT's vagabond band of actors as they present the Hans Christian Andersen story like you've never seen before! Told in the commedia dell’arte style of last season's wildly popular "Pinocchio," Columbine, Arlequino, Punchin, Rosetta, and Pantalone are back with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into this classic tale. Visit the CCT website for more info.

Smokey Joe's Cafe: Trustus

Now - July 28, 2011
Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n' roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized 50's setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE isn't just great pop music - it's compelling musical theatre. Shows: Thursdays through Sundays only. (Please Note: there will not be a show on Sunday June 26th or Sunday July 3rd.) Visit Trustus website.

Save the Date(s)! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Town Theatre

July 7, 2011 - July 23, 2011

Take an incredible ride with one of the most wonderful families of all time! A widowed, absent-minded, unsuccessful inventor saves a “has been” racing car from the scrap heap at the request of his darling children. He fixes the car up – and boy does he ever – as not only does it run again, it floats and flies! It certainly impresses a beautiful lady who becomes smitten with the entire Potts family. Who would not want such a fantastic car? The Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria certainly do! The royals hire two bumbling spies to kidnap the inventor, but instead they grab Grandpa Potts. The mission becomes to save Grandpa, but in doing so, they must avoid being taken by the Childcatcher whose job is to “make Vulgaria a more beautiful place to live” by making sure no children roam the streets freely! The whole family will love this fantasmagorical Broadway musical! Visit the Town Theatre website for more information!

Town’s 92nd Season presented by BB&T of South Carolina and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang sponsored by Chick-fil-A (10136 Two Notch and 5440 Forest Dr.); Lexington Medical Center; and the car by Jim Hudson Lexus.

Save the Date - July 16 - Museum Roadshow: South Carolina State Museum

July 16, 2011

Aunt Martha’s coin silver wine holders, Kewpie dolls, a Picasso drawing, a Japanese bayonet, a Russian samovar, an Edgar Allan Poe first edition – you never know what might turn up at the Museum Road Show! Inspired by PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” the program will offer informal (verbal) appraisals of a variety of objects. Museum curators and local experts will be on hand not only to discuss items, but also to provide tips on caring for the objects. Visit the SC State Museum website for more info on the Roadshow!

Appraisal Tickets Sales: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Appraisals: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Toys and Games Etc: Giant Liquidation Sale!

Did you ever meet a shopkeep who absolutely loved her job, the stuff she sells and made you feel so good about buying from her? That's Mary Havron, owner of Toys and Games Etc.. Walk in there anyday and she's likely to be demonstrating toys, showing families how to play a game on Game Night, or chatting away about finding a particular toy. We hate to see you go, Mary. You're one of a kind! Meet Mary while you can (she hopes to move west soon to spend time with her grandkids) and take advantage of her fantastic sale prices as she liquidates her store. Located on Harbison Blvd. in the shopping center behind Olive Garden. Visit her Facebook page.