Scout out your spot to watch the fireworks blast off over the Lake Murray Dam. | Photo by COLAtoday
Lake Murray’s 37th annual Independence Day Celebration lights up the sky Saturday, June 28, with SC’s largest fireworks show. At dark (around 9:15 p.m.), twin displays will launch from Spence and Dreher Islands, set to patriotic music on 93.1 The Lake and streamed live on WIS News 10.
Best views? By boat or from Dreher Island State Park ($3 adults, $1.50 seniors, $1 kids). The fireworks highlight a weekend of “Spirit of Americana” events, including the Great Race Grand Finish in Irmo the following day, Sunday, June 29, where vintage cars will roll into Moore Park.
Heads up: The annual boat parade is on pause this year due to dam construction. In case of thunderstorms, the fireworks will shift to Sunday. If you Google Lake Murray fireworks and see something about a cancellation, that’s San Diego. Ours in the Midlands is full steam ahead.
Events
Events
Saturday, June 28
Soda City Poetry Festival | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Celebrate the written word with readings, workshops, and performances from local and regional poets.
South Carolina Video Game & Pokémon Exchange | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Marketplace Vendor Mall, West Columbia | Free | Shop from vendors from all over SC that have everything from Pokémon, toys, plush, trading cards, video games, and more.
Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration | 8 p.m. | Dreher Island State Park, Prosperity | Tune in your radio and watch the fireworks show launched from Spence and Dreher Islands.
Sunday, June 29
Hops and Shops: Cheers to Pride | 12-5 p.m. | Columbia Craft Brewing | Free | Shop for quirky finds, original art, and handmade oddities.
Saxophonist Dante Lewis Band | 3-4:30 p.m. | Richland Main Auditorium | Registration requested | Celebrate Black Music Month with smooth classics to contemporary grooves.
No. 80. That’s where Columbia ranked on Resonance’s list of America’s 100 best cities. The ranking used data ranging from a city’s GDP to content on Tripadvisor and Instagram + highlighted Orlando’s attractions and convention center.
Sports
In case you missed it, the Gamecocks received commitments from twin brothers Aidan and Andrew Harris, 4-star prospects from Matthews, NC. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the previous and upcoming seasons with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Watch
Want even more sports news? ESPN is launching Vibe Check, its first all-female-led sports show [on Monday, June 30/ tonight]. The panel show will feature analysis and commentary on all sports, including the Carolina Panthers, with a little comedy in the mix. Check out new episodes on Disney+ on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
State
It looks like South Carolinians believe in the power of collard greens (we know we do). That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you want to buy some, or see what other goodies are growing in the Upstate, head to a local farmers market.
Film
“Jaws,” often credited as the original summer blockbuster, is now 50 years old. Steven Spielberg’s thriller debuted on June 20, 1975, but it seems a comeback is lurking. The film will return to local theaters this summer, starting Aug. 29. (USA TODAY)
The Buy
An anti-slip bath mat. Built with a strong rubber backing, the mat is engineered not to lose its grip even after repeated cycles in the wash — and its soft chenille fabric feels great under feet.
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While the humans in our house have always loved a big fireworks display, our dogs never enjoyed them. A friend recommended the Thundershirt to help with their anxiety during holidays and storms, and I have to say — it worked.
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