Destinations: Five for the Fourth
For the AJC
Sunday, June 21, 2009
National holidays mean celebrations all over the American map. Consider these not-too-distant events for Fourth of July pomp and circumstance.
Carowinds
Night of Fire, a salute to the armed forces and fireworks celebration, wraps up the Fourth of July at Carowinds in Charlotte.
SlearShotz/The Brandon Agency
Fireworks will explode on July 4 at Broadway at the Beach, an entertainment complex in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
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Savannah
Throngs of onlookers will gather along the historic, cobblestone-lined River Street to soak up a fireworks display. Colorful flashes burst above the Savannah River in sync with patriotic tunes. Lee Greenwood, anyone? The music will be simulcast live on WJCL 96.5 FM, so onlookers should pack portable radios. Tents with beer and soft drinks are set to line River Street. The fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. Don’t be surprised if River Street’s more than two dozen restaurants and shops stay open late. Parking will be hard to find, so get there early, grab dinner and hang for the bang.
Free. 9:20 p.m. July 4. Historic River Street, Savannah. 912-234-0295, www.riverstreetsavannah.com.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Broadway at the Beach, a 350-acre outdoor entertainment and shopping complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach, surrounds a man-made lake. Expect all the tourist trappings, including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant, a Ripley’s Aquarium, an Imax 3D theater and a Hard Rock Cafe. But the complex adds an extra jolt with its Star Spangled Celebration. Clowns goof with tots, who can get kiddie kicks with face painting, balloon animals, inflatable jumping attractions, a petting zoo and more. Grown-up fun can be had at the Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery Beer Garden. Shag dancing demonstrations stay in step with beach music courtesy of the Tams (“Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”). Fireworks explode over the lake at 10 p.m.
Free. 3 p.m. July 4. Broadway at the Beach, 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
1-800-386-4662, www.broadwayatthe
beach.com.
Charlotte
It’s a given that Carowinds theme park — about 15 minutes from downtown Charlotte — will be bringing on the boom. A special day of activities joins its regular roster of thrill rides, kiddie attractions, shows and in-house water park. Its seven roller coasters draw big, including the spanking-new Carolina Cobra, which peaks at 125 feet and tussles riders with its 360-degree loop. On July 4, country music acts play throughout the day, a DJ spins dance tracks and bikini-boasting models compete in a swimsuit contest. The park’s Patriotic Meal & Admission ticket is actually cheaper than regular admission and includes an all-you-can-eat meal — think barbecue chicken, pork, baked beans, corn, slaw and salad — from noon-3 p.m. The day culminates at 10 p.m. with Night of Fire, a fireworks display designed to salute America’s armed forces.
$39.99 ages 3-61 who are 48 inches and taller; $29.99 ages 62 and older and those age 3-61 who are shorter than 48 inches. Kids 2 and younger free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Carowinds, Avenue of the Carolinas, Charlotte. 1-800-888-4386, www.carowinds.com.
Panama City Beach, Fla.
PCB knows how to pitch a good time. Its Star Spangled Spectacular is at Aaron Bessant Park and the adjacent Pier Park. Organizers plan to pack it with music, family activities and fireworks. Highlights include a welcome from Mayor Gayle Oberst with F-15 jets roaring above. Residents will march with their pets in a patriotic parade. Bands play throughout the grounds, including country music star Mark Chesnutt, who headlines the evening at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks presentation ignites at 9 p.m.
Free. Noon-9:30 p.m. Aaron Bessant Park, 500 West Park Drive. Panama City Beach,
Fla. 850-233-5070, www.visitpanamacity
beach.com.
Chattanooga
Lawn-chair and blanket-toting patriots will be gathering in Coolidge Park near the Tennessee River for a free concert and fireworks show. Sousa marches, pop tunes and sing-alongs come courtesy of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra and guest artists. The latter includes the father-daughter duo of Tim and Sara King, who will be singing songs from Disney animated films such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Pocahontas.” T-34 military aircraft will buzz across the sky. And when the band plays Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” it will signal the fireworks display. Picnics are allowed. But if you forget to pack, vendors will be selling grub, beer and sodas on site. Coolidge Park will be closing to vehicular traffic at 4:30 p.m. but folks are encouraged to park for free in lots between 4th and 5th Streets. Beginning at 6 p.m., shuttle buses will haul guests to the action. Buses will begin return service at the end of the show.
Free. 8-9:45 p.m. July 4. Coolidge Park, 150 River St., Chattanooga. 423-265-0771, www.downtownchattanooga.org/pops.
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