Multiple Independence Day event are scheduled across the area this week. Here’s a sampling of them.
Fort Eisenhower’s Independence Day event will be from 6 to 11 p.m., July 3 at Barton Field, featuring entertainment by Chris Cagle and Lonestar. The event will have food trucks and a kiddie carnival. A firework extravaganza will close out the celebration.
Gates will open to the public at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. All vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license, according to a news release from Fort Eisenhower.
The annual Yankee Doodle Dash 5K-10K will begin Thursday at Mill Village Trailhead – 109 Eve St. The 10K starts at 7 a.m. followed by the 5K at 7:10 a.m.
Registration and bib pick-up will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Fleet Feet Augusta
There will be no morning-of packet pickup. Registration closes at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
When it comes to history, there are three events highlighting the Founding Fathers.
The 14th Annual Signers Monument Ceremony, honoring Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence – George Walton, Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnett – will be at 9 a.m. at the Signers Monument. Walton and Hall are buried beneath the 50-foot monolith.
Historic Meadow Garden, the home of George Walton, one of three Georgia Signers of the Declaration of Independence, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4.
“At 11 a.m., the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud as it would have been in 1776. A revolutionary color guard will be on hand with soldiers’ camp displays. Guests will enjoy live music from the Garden City Strummers and children’s activities including quill pen writing,” according to a news release.
Across the Savannah River, North Augusta’s Living History Park will be the site of an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
North Augusta Mayor Britton Williams will read from the Declaration of Independence, and there will be Colonial Era reenactors. Visitors are encouraged to show their spirit and dress up.
Grovetown’s annual drive-thru barbecue begins at 11 a.m. July 4 at Liberty Park with free barbecue and sides from Fish Eye Grill. There’s a limit of four plates per car and the event ends when the food runs out.
The city of Augusta’s celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at the Augusta Common. The event will feature live entertainment, kid zones, food trucks and vendors. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.
BOOM! in the Park will begin at 5 p.m. July 4 at the Evans Towne Center Park. Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti will perform. There will be food trucks and fireworks with a laser show.
The Columbia Fireflies will face off against the Augusta GreenJackets Thursday at 6:35 p.m. at SRP Park. The GreenJackets will wear their Independence Day-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. After the game, there will be a fireworks display. A pregame concert with Gone Again will be before the game at 5:30 p.m.
Don’t want the festivities to end? Thomson celebrates Independence Day Friday with Freedom Blast at 7 p.m. at the Thomson-McDuffie Government Complex. There will be firetruck sprinklers and inflatables for the children. Fireworks will be at dark.
Enjoy an Independence Day event with small town charm at The Hephzibah Agricultural Center, 4245 Peach Orchard Road, Friday. The Second Annual Fireworks Extravaganza will begin at 5 p.m. There will be food trucks, vendors, bounce houses, activities and music. Fireworks will begin around 9:15 p.m.
And Saturday is the annual Friends of Clarks Hill Lake fireworks show at “Dark30” at Raysville Marina, Thomson.
“This event is open to all those joining by land or by water! Bring your own chair or throw out an anchor and immerse yourself in an evening of patriotic fellowship and mesmerizing pyrotechnics,” according to a Facebook post.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
