The Fourth of July is Sunday and West Columbia will be sure to mark this most-American holiday.

July 4th is also known as Independence Day and the tradition to celebrate it goes back to 1776 and the American Revolution. It has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. This year July 4th is on a Sunday, so the holiday will be observed on Monday, July 5.  The City of West Columbia City Hall will be closed that day. 

The Birth of American independence festivities range from fireworks to family gatherings and barbecues.

“Our family will be by the pool, grilling out, and enjoying the time together,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles.

Miles also said July 4th is a good time to reflect on all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. 

July 4th is also a big day for hot dogs. According to the National Sausage and Hot Dog Council, Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday.

A West Columbia business is marking Independence Day with hot dog eating.  New Brookland Tavern at 122 State St. is having a 4th of July Cookout Bash.

“We’re getting together for a Fourth of July cookout bash at New Brookland Tavern  and we want everyone to join us,” said Mike Lyons of NBT.  

Lyons said the big cookout is NBT’s “first of hopefully many more to come.” To mark the occasion, NBT will hold a hot dog eating contest.
It begins at 8pm. To enter, send an email to: [email protected]. There is an entry fee and winners will receive prizes.

NBT will open at 4 p.m. on July 4th. There will also be specials on hot dogs, beer and other drinks. Click here for more information: 

A West Columbia baker is also getting into the July 4th spirit. Jolene Bailey is the owner of Buttercream Dreams, at 1230 C. Ave.

Bailey makes plenty of cakes and sweet treats. To prepare for Independence Day she is offering red, white and blue cupcakes and flag-decorated confections. Click here for Buttercream Dreams Facebook page:

“We want to do something a little special to make the Fourth of July celebration a little more colorful,” Bailey said. “We get lots of orders this time of the year because people are getting together, and we wanted to help them celebrate.”

In addition to cook outs, there is a boat parade and a high-profile fireworks display that many in West Columbia attend as a part of their July 4th celebration.

The 33rd Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray, presented by Lexington Medical Center, will take place on Saturday, July 3. Click here for information: 

At Noon, the Lake Murray Boat Parade will proceed around Bomb Island.  This year’s theme is “Proud to be an American.”

At dusk (approximately 9:15p.m.) SC’s Largest Fireworks display begins. You can view it from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. The fireworks are also viewable by boat. 

The Columbia Fireflies minor league baseball team will also present a full orchestral patriotic concert by the SC Philharmonic and a fireworks display at Segra Park in Columbia on Saturday, July 3. Gates open at 7 p.m., and music begins at 8:30 p.m., fireworks launching at 9:15 p.m.

July 4th West Columbia Notes

There will not be a Meeting Street Artisan Market on July 3. The market will resume on Saturday, July 10.
Also, City Ordinance allows for the discharging or shooting of fireworks on July 4th, Independence Day, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. only. Please refrain from discharging fireworks at any other time. The West Columbia Police Department’s non-emergency phone number is 803-794-0721.

Lots to do on July 4th if you live in West Columbia. Get out and enjoy.