A neighborhood Fourth

The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays because it offers a great reason to get the neighbors together — a birthday celebration. In this case, the nation’s 232nd birthday.If you’re game for organizing an outing with neighbors,

PACK A PICNIC

Want to get together with neighbors but don’t feel like cleaning up your own house or yard?

Borrow space in Mother Nature’s back yard and head for the park.

Invite neighbors to pack a picnic, and perhaps bring a dessert or other finger food to share.

Set up games for the kids — scavenger hunts, for example, or bring along balls and frisbees.

The best park for the Fourth of July is the beach on the south side of Lake Murray dam, where you can have a picnic, swim and stay until dark to watch the fireworks.

But if you don’t want to fight the crowds there, here are a few other parks — some in your neighborhood, others requiring a short ride — to lay out your blanket for a neighborhood picnic:

Saluda Shoals Park: Located along the banks of the Saluda River, in the Irmo area, this 350-acre regional park has picnic shelters, paved and unpaved trails for hiking and much more. It’s open on July 4. Kids will want to check out the Saluda Splash playground, too. The park is at 5605 Bush River Road; open 7 a.m. until sunset. Park admission fee is per vehicle. www.icrc.net/saludashoals/

Virginia Hylton Park: Located behind Town Hall, the park has gazebos with grills, three types of gardens and a koi pond. The park is at 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington; open 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sesquicentennial State Park: South Carolina’s state parks are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year — a great excuse to discover all the affordable entertainment options they offer. This park, in Northeast Richland, has a 30-acre lake surrounded by trails, picnic areas and a dog park. Rent a paddle boat on the lake, starting at just $5. Photographers might be interested in noting a monthly photo contest at S.C. state parks that includes prizes; log on at www.comeoutandplay.net. The park is at 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia; open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rosewood Park: Families can enjoy a paved trail, playground and picnic shelter, all shaded by oak trees. The park is 901 S. Holly St., Columbia; open daylight hours.

  Finlay Park: This park has playgrounds, lots of green space for picnics and a city skyline. It's also home to several free concerts, including a Saturday night summer concert series that runs 7-10 p.m. through Aug. 30. The park is at 930 Laurel St. in downtown Columbia.

Guignard Park: Called the "Jewel of Cayce," a creek runs through the small wooded park, which features walking paths, bridges and picnic tables. The park is at the corner of Knox Abbott Drive and Axtell in Cayce; open dawn until dusk.

Granby Gardens Park: The two-acre park features a gazebo, playground area, sheltered picnic areas and restrooms. The park is at 1800 12th St., Cayce; open dawn to dusk.

PUT ON A NEIGHBORHOOD PARADE

Everyone loves a parade, and no more so than one with a patriotic theme.

Have kids decorate bikes, skates and skateboards in red, white and blue. Pair them with a shirt of the same, and it’s downright festive.

Ditto for walkers and those with babies in strollers and wagons.

Pets can get in on the act, too, with patriotic ribbons, collars or leashes.

Line the parade route with flags — or, for simplicity, just put flags on mailboxes along the route.

Have a morning parade, followed by a potluck lunch. Be sure someone brings a peach dessert!

MUSIC AND FIREWORKS

Nothing beats getting out the lawn chairs on a warm July evening, gathering around the cul-de-sac to watch the kids waving sparklers or a neighbor putting on a homemade fireworks show.

Now, that’s American.

Of course, you may be in the mood for a big and spectacular show, and there are plenty around.

A sampling:

Columbia Blowfish will have fireworks tonight and Friday, following their games at Capital City Stadium. They’ll be set to patriotic music. For game times and opponents, log on at www.blowfishbaseball.com

Village at Sandhill, a popular gathering spot for Northeast Richland, will host its first Independence Festival, with Lucky Dan, John Jett and Marc Shipley scheduled to perform. Friday’s entertainment is scheduled for 3-9:30 p.m.; a professional fireworks display is set for 9 p.m. The center is at Clemson and Two Notch roads.

Nothing says July 4 like the annual Peach Festival in Gilbert, marking its 50th year in 2008. Parades, recipe contests, live entertainment and a closing fireworks display. For other details and directions, see story in today’s Neighbors.

Go to the annual Torchlight Tattoo on Fort Jackson and listen to a concert by the 282nd Army Victory Band. Afterwards, there will be a torchlight tribute to U.S. states and territories. A fabulous fireworks display, beginning at roughly 9:30 p.m., caps off festivities at this free event, which is open to the public. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Bring vehicle registration, proof of insurance and driver’s license to show at the gate on Forest Drive. www.jackson.army.mil/

Can’t make it out Friday? Head to Lake Murray on Saturday for one of the biggest shows around. The Rockin’ in the USA celebration starts early with a patriotic boat parade. And, later that evening, listen to the sounds of the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra at Dreher Island State Park as they play well-known patriotic songs. Top it off by watching the fireworks display. Times and locations are at http://lakemurraycountry.com

— Compiled by Devon Copeland and Dawn Kujawa