Get ready for July 4

Get ready to show your patriotic colors, the Fourth of July is right around the corner.
Even though July 4 falls on a Wednesday this year, there will be no humpday slacking in the local celebrations as Lancaster County does it red-, white-and-blue style.
From parades to parties, fireworks to musical performances, read on for everything you’ll need to know to celebrate a great local Fourth of July right here at home.
Sun City Carolina Lakes celebrations/parade
This year’s first July 4 celebration is Sun City Carolina Lakes’ Celebrate America event, which kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at 9:30 a.m. This year’s speaker is Carolina Lakes resident and County Councilman Larry McCullough.
Next up is the community’s traditional Independence Day parade. Featuring decorated golf carts, the parade begins at 10 a.m. and winds its way through the community.
At 5 p.m., it's time to find out who bakes the best pie in the active-adult community with the pie-baking contest, while at the same time model yachts sail from the Lake House dock.
At 5:30 p.m., it's time to chow down with the Tailgaters showing off their grilling skills for traditional July 4 picnic fare.
The Carolina Laketones will offer entertainment at 6 p.m., followed by the dance-inducing music of DJ Dixie.
Charlesboro parade
An annual tradition for 33 years, the Charlesboro July 4 parade begins at 10:30 a.m.
Parade line-up begins at New Haven Baptist Church on Taxahaw Road. The route follows Taxahaw Road to Blackmon Cemetery on U.S. 601.
The grand marshal for this year’s Charlesboro parade is longtime community resident Bill Robinson.
If you’ve always wanted to participate in a parade, this is your chance. The only requirement is that your vehicle or float be road-safe and display Old Glory. Of course, you can’t go overboard on the red, white and blue, so feel free to decorate as patriotically as you please.
Other events at New Haven Baptist Church include live music before and after the parade, with free hot dogs afterward.
For details, call (803) 285-8781 or (843) 658-3555.
Rich Hill parade
The fifth annual Rich Hill community July 4 parade begins at 4 p.m. at the Rich Hill Fire Department at 3089 Rocky River Road, Heath Springs.
Like the other local parades, participation is open to any vehicle with an American Flag and patriotic decorations. Line up is on Billy Kirk Road.
The parade route will continue down Billy Kirk Road to Rocky River Road and loop back around to the fire department. For details, call (803) 320-2524.
Heath Springs parade
The annual Heath Springs July 4 parade begins at 6 p.m. this year.
Line-up for the parade begins at 5 p.m. on College Street. A “display of patriotism” is required and no political campaigning is allowed.
The celebrations include performances by musical guests The Hinson Girls and Textrox, along with face painting, inflatables, food and more.
For details, call (803) 287-3350.
July 4 celebration in Van Wyck
Now in its second year, Van Wyck plans a blowout of a fireworks show on July 4.
Sponsored by the Charlotte Road/Van Wyck Volunteer Fire Department, the show starts at sundown at the Van Wyck Community Center, 5036 Old Hickory Road.
The celebrations include food and snacks for sale by the Van Wyck Community Development Club.
For details, contact Ollie Bass at olliebass@lycos.com
 

Jim Lorenz/for Carolina Gateway

Residents and their relatives have a flag-waving good time during the annual Independence Day golf cart parade at Sun City Carolina Lakes in 2011. This year's parade begins at 10 a.m.

Buy this photo

courtesy of Jane Massey

Alena Massey sports a patriotic look at the first annual Van Wyck Fourth of July Fireworks Blowout in 2011. This year's event at the Van Wyck Community Center begins at dusk, but come early for refreshments.