Where to see fireworks in the Midlands

Where to catch fireworks in the Midlands. Rob Thompson The State File Photo

The biggest of them all

The daylong celebration of Independence Day usually doesn’t happen on the Fourth itself, but this year, it’s all red, white and blue Saturday. The day begins with a boat parade at noon that launches from Bomb Island and heads toward the dam. More than 150 bedazzled boats will participate.

Then, around 9:15 p.m., the fireworks show begins. It’s the largest in South Carolina. Fireworks will be launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. The show will be set to music that you can listen to on B 106.7 FM.

The best places to see the fireworks are at Dreher Island State Park and both parks at the Lake Murray dam. Bring a blanket and chairs, but no alcohol.

Admission to Dreher Island State Park is $2 for adults, $1.25 for seniors; children 15 and younger are free. The gates close at 8 p.m.

Admission to the Lake Murray Dam park sites are $3; get there early. The walking path on the dam will also be open.

Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park, www.lakemurraycountry.com.

Fort Jackson fireworks

The annual Torchlight Tattoo and fireworks display is on Hilton Field at the fort on Friday, July 3. The field opens at 4 p.m.; the Tattoo begins at 9 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome, but bleacher and grandstand seating are available. No pets, coolers, alcohol or personal fireworks. Food vendors are available at 5 p.m.

Visitors can enter through Gate 2 at Forest Drive (exit 12 from Interstate 77) or Gate 4 off of Percival Road. Expect inspection of all vehicles. Bring drivers licenses or photo IDs for every adult in the car, as well as proof of insurance and registration.

Fort Jackson, fortjacksonmwr.com/special_events.

A peachy end to the day

The Lexington County Peach Festival begins at 9:30 a.m. with a parade and provides all-day entertainment, including music, a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a tractor show, children’s rides and, of course, food that showcases peaches, the popular crop in the county. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.

Gilbert Community Park, Rikard Circle, Gilbert. (803) 892-5598; www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com.

Baseball and fireworks

The Lexington County Blowfish end the home game Saturday against the Florence Redwolves with a fireworks display.

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 424 Ballpark Road. (803) 254-3474; www.goblowfishbaseball.com.

Blythewood fireworks

Doko Meadows will be the site of a Rockin’ Red, White & Blue celebration on Friday, July 3. The fun includes WWE wrestling from 3 to 5 p.m.; D.B. Bryant Band performs 6-9 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. Local food vendors will be on hand with picnic food. Bring your lawn chairs. No coolers, please. Free admission.

3-10 p.m. Friday at Doko Meadows, rain or shine. 100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood. (803) 754-0501.

City fireworks

The Capital City Beach Party with the Original Tams ends with a fireworks display. Saturday concerts are free. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. No pets allowed. Vendors will be on hand.

8-10 p.m. Saturday at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. (803) 545-3100.

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 11:41 AM with the headline "Where to see fireworks in the Midlands."