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Lake Murray holds patriotic celebration

Christina Lee Knauss //June 30, 2022//

Lake Murray holds patriotic celebration

Christina Lee Knauss //June 30, 2022//

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South Carolina's largest fireworks display will light up the night over Lake Murray on July 2. (Photo/Provided)

People who want to get in the patriotic spirit and celebrate America’s birthday a couple days early can head to Lake Murray on Saturday, July 2, for the 34th annual Fourth of July Celebration on Lake Murray. The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board hosts the event, and it is presented by Lexington Medical Center.

The celebration begins at noon with the annual boat parade, which features decorated boats from both locals and visitors and is viewable by boat or from the park sties at the Lake Murray Dam. The parade’s theme this year is “Honoring Our Heroes.” It is free to participate in the parade and cash prizes will be given.

To take part, register online at LakeMurrayCountry.com/boat parade, at the Lake Murray County Visitor Center (2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia) or by phone at (803) 781-5940.

“We are grateful to honor our heroes at this year’s boat parade,” Vickie Davis, vice president of special events and funding at Capital City/Lake Murray Country, said in a news release. “A hero is someone that impacts our lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place – the military, police, first responders, nurses and teachers.”

South Carolina’s largest fireworks show will take place from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Spence Island and Dreher Island. The show is choreographed to a patriotic concert that will air simultaneously on Cumulus Media (B106.7 WTCB). Both park sites at the Lake Murray Dam will be open until they reach capacity.

Dreher Island State Park is 30 miles from Columbia and 12 miles off I-26 (via Chapin exit 91). Follow the visible brown state park signage.

The fireworks are funded by Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s annual Taste of Lake Murray event in addition to business sponsors.

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