4th of July celebration continues
If you didn't make it to a Fourth of July show last weekend, there's more fireworks to be had.
The local governments of Lincoln and McCormick counties are partnering up across state lines to hold another Independence Day-inspired event at Clarks Hill Lake on Saturday.
The day will be filled with family activities, and a fireworks show will be held that night over what organizers are calling J. Strom Thurmond Lake at Clarks Hill - a combination of the lake's two popular names.
Events for the Thunder Over Thurmond celebration will actually kick off at 7 p.m. Thursday with a Thunder Cup Softball Tournament between the two counties - McCormick County currently holds possession of the cup and bragging rights.
On Saturday morning, there will be an Open Team Bass Tournament in McCormick County, and shopping will be the focus in the afternoon when cars cruisers, shag dancers and watermelon-eating contestants will take over.
But the main event will take place at 9 p.m. when fireworks are shot over the lake at the Highway 378 bridge, the road connecting Lincolnton and McCormick, S.C.
Spots to view the fireworks are at Elijah Clark State Park in Lincoln County, Plum Branch Yacht Club, Hickory Knob State Park in McCormick County or from a boat on the lake, according to event organizers.
Parking is available at Savannah Lakes Lodge for $10 a car and proceeds will be donated to the McCormick Rotary Club for the group's projects with under-privileged children. The Brasstyme Band also will be performing at the lodge before and after the fireworks.
The Thunder Over Thurmond event was created as an economic development effort between the two counties. It is held ever year on the Saturday after July 4th.
Thunder Over Thurmond Events:
Thursday, 7 p.m., Thunder Cup Softball Tournament at the West Town Recreation Complex in McCormick County, S.C. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children (ages 6 to 17) and children under 5 are free. For information, call (706) 359-2236 or (864) 465-2921.
Saturday, Thunder Over Thurmond Open Team Bass Tournament, registration starts at 4:30 a.m. for fisherman at Dorn Boating & Fishing facility in McCormick, S.C. The entry fee is $70 with a Big Fish Pot of $10. The tournament is a 100 percent payback event after expenses and will end with weigh-in at 2 p.m. Registration forms are available at the Lincolnton-Lincoln County or the McCormick County chambers of commerce.
Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, Market Day vendors and booths at Cullars Inn, 140 Elm St., Lincolnton. Downtown businesses also will have a sidewalk sales and promotions. To set up a booth or table, call the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 359-7970.
Saturday, 10 a.m., Thunder Over Thurmond Jet Ski-Boat Poker Run, hosted by Plum Branch Yacht Club in Plum Branch, S.C. Entry fee is $20 per watercraft. For more information, call (864) 443-3004.
Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Cruise In on Humphrey Street in Lincolnton for cars of all makes and models will take place after lunch with prizes. Judging will take place at 3 p.m., then cruisers will line up for the 378 Parade of Cars in McCormick where trophies will be awarded. Then, there will be a watermelon-eating contest, water balloon contest, shag contest, face painting and a golf cart drawing on Main Street. For more information, call (864) 465-2835.
Saturday, 9 p.m., Fireworks show over the lake, which will also incorporate lights and music, at the Highway 378 bridge.