Summerville residents can enjoy an old-fashioned July 4 celebration on Saturday, with music, a patriotic parade and plenty of apple pie.
The annual Red, White & Blue on the Green is a family-friendly event from 4 to 8 p.m. that showcases historic downtown Summerville with, games, activities, food, live contests and much more.
Don’t miss the non-motorized parade at 7:15 p.m., led by Summerville Mayor Berlin G. Myers and his wife Marlena.
Wagons, strollers, carriages, roller skates, pets and more will converge at Town Square for a two-loop trek around the block. People can still register for the parade for free at the event.
One resident has already signed up her goat to walk in the parade, according to Jennifer Shockley, with Summerville D.R.E.A.M., the organization hosting the event. The group has been planning this event for the past six months.
Patriotic face painting, music, dancing, jump castles, hot dogs, games and a sea of red, white and blue clothing are just some of the highlights of the event.
Due to popular demand, there also will be a magic show, at 4:15 p.m., with Van Doren the Magician.
“Everyone wanted to see a magic show; a lot of people were calling throughout the year,” Shockley said.
The streets surrounding Hutchinson Square will be closed that day and local businesses have agreed to offer food for sale including hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, ice cream, shaved ice, mini donuts, roasted corn on the cob and more.
Local businesses have also agreed to sponsor games, which will be free of charge.
Among the businesses, All Books & Co. and People, Places and Quilts will be making patriotic hats for the crowd, Shockley said.
“It’s a good way to get everybody involved,” Shockley said.
No Independence Day celebration would be complete without a fireworks display, set for Gahagan Park at dusk, around 8:30 or 9 p.m. The show is said to rival others in the Southeast and the town council has allotted $10,000 for the display. There will be a concession stand at the event as well, Shockley said.
The event will be a truly family-friendly affair, Shockley said.
“We’re always excited,” said Cindy Ashley, President of the D.R.E.A.M. Board. “It’s been a tradition (ever) since D.R.E.A.M. started.”