Burst of patriotism
Angela Rosser, 14, of Martinez launched a watermelon seed 21 feet, making her the new watermelon seed-spitting champion in the 12- to 17-year-old division, at the Little River Marina Fourth of July celebration. Spending part of the Fourth of July at Little River Marina is part of the Rosser's family tradition.
"It's fun and it feels great to have won," Rosser said. "I enjoy the fireworks the most."
From tossing horseshoes to sack races to fireworks over the lake, the star-spangled event kicked off the Independence Day celebrations for Columbia County.
This is the sixth year that Pam Bugg, manger of Little River Marina, has organized the event.
"These are all games that we used to have at my kids' birthday parties and I thought that this would be something fun for all of these kids," Bugg said, pointing to the line of children eager to start the sack races. "It's fun watching the kids cheer for their moms and dads in the seed-spitting contests. ... It's really funny when the kids come up and say, 'So these are old-timey games aren't they?' But they're not out here playing video games or watching TV. They're having fun."
Though the sun was blazing high in the Wednesday sky, several church groups and families joined in the fun, some taking a refreshing jump into the lake.
As the bands set up to play some live music for the crowd, Randy McNeely a fireworks technician for Pyrotecnico finalized the plans for the fireworks. A volunteer firefighter in Davisboro, Ga., McNeely knows the importance of safety around fireworks.
"We do fireworks shows throughout the southeast," McNeely said. "This show has about 300 fireworks, total...I just enjoy the job."
Columbia County residents also celebrated their freedom by turning out for the annual drills, fireworks and laser show at Fort Gordon Wednesday. Crowds flocked in patriotic colors to enjoy the tasty barbecue served in generously until it ran out.
Thursday, Columbia Countians had three events to celebrate Independence Day. During the day, the City of Grovetown fed throngs of people barbecue while a local bluegrass band and Polynesian dancers entertained the crowds.
Thursday night, fireworks lit the sky over Patriots Park - where the county's Fourth of July celebration featured speeches, a silent auction and other activities - and over Tradewinds Marina.