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July 4 festivities planned around county

COUNTY — Local residents will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend, culminating with fireworks lighting the skies on Monday for July 4.

Events are planned in Clemson, Easley, Liberty and Pickens beginning Saturday.

More details are available below:

CLEMSON — July 2

The 23rd annual ClemsonFest will return Saturday to Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Center, formerly known as Campus Beach and “Y Beach.”

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the event will end at 10 p.m. The community activity of the independence celebration will bring up to 7,000 people to enjoy the music of the Carolina Beach Band.

The band will perform from 6 p.m. to close. The award-winning band has many tributes for its performances, including Carolina Beach Music Festival Beach Band of the Year. It sets the standard for Carolina shag music performances. The band will also offer a few of its original tunes — “I Love Beach Music” and “Carolina Girls” among them — along with a wide selection of songs from other artists including Wilson Pickett, Van Morrison and the Beach Boys.

At 9:30 p.m., the band will give way to a sky lighted by fireworks before returning to close out the event. In keeping with the Independence Day theme, the Boy Scouts of Troop 161 will do a flag-raising ceremony at 5:50 p.m. and will return later at dusk for the flag lowering and playing of taps.

Adults of all ages will enjoy competing in the grip contest sponsored by Clemson Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Food vendor offerings range from barbecue, grilled chicken and sweet potato fries to ice cream, shaved ice, kettle corn and funnel cakes.

A children’s area, sponsored by Publix Supermarket and Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry, will feature Publix’ interactive games and activities, in addition to three bounce houses, and face painting.

easley — July 2-4

The city of Easley has joined forces with sponsor Hendrick Honda to present a July 4 spectacular, with three days of activities planned at Market Square downtown.

On Saturday, festivities will run from 5-10 p.m., with the Legal Age Band performing and an anniversary and album release party for The Flashbacks, a local band that is celebrating 20 years together. To read more about The Flashbacks, turn to page 6B.

Family night is planned for Sunday, with local talent performances scheduled from 5-10 p.m.

The fun will reach a fever pitch on Monday, as there will be a carnival atmosphere from 3-10 p.m., with performances planned by SplitShot and Encore Band and a fireworks show to close the night.

In addition to the activities in Market Square, the Easley Area Museum in the Martin House at 201 S. Pendleton St. will have a special opening from 1-6 p.m. Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call (864) 855-7900.

LIBERTY — July 4

The second annual Love My Liberty event is planned for Monday at the old Liberty High School football stadium at 251 N. Hillcrest St.

Gates will open at 6 pm, and the mayor, members of city council and members of the Liberty Fire Department will be grilling and serving up free hot dogs until 8 p.m. or while supplies last.

Several local businesses, churches and other organizations will have booths where they’ll host games and activities and give away free goodies like bottled water, popcorn, snow cones and coupons. Those in attendance will also be able to register for a free raffle for prize packs featuring gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses.

The James Radford Band will be performing live from 7 p.m. until dark.

Other activities planned for the night will be recognition of the 2016 Liberty Citizen of the Year, a cornhole tournament to benefit the Liberty Recreation youth athletic scholarship fund, with the winner receiving a set of cornhole boards, a lip-sync battle between the Liberty police and fire departments, and the Emma KAPP Children’s Bike Parade — in honor of Emma Boughman and to raise awareness of the Emma KAPP program, which promotes bicycle safety.

There is no charge to participate in the Emma KAPP Parade, but parents are asked to sign a form for their child. They can find the form at city hall or online at libertysc.com/2016/06/emma-kapp-bike-parade-info/). Parents can also register before 6:30 p.m. on the day of the parade. Bikes should be decorated in festive décor.

Entry fee for the cornhole tournament is $25 per team, and registration forms are also available online or at city hall.

For the grand finale of the night, Liberty native Linda Whitfield will be singing the national anthem, followed by a huge fireworks display at dark. Admission is free.

Additional refreshments will be available for purchase at concessions, and event T-shirts will also be for sale.

For more information, search for the event on Facebook.

PICKENS — July 4

The city of Pickens will host its annual July 4 celebration from 3-10 p.m. Monday.

The day will feature food, music, rides and fun on Main Street.

Ride wristbands will be available for $10 for the entire day.

Music will begin at 7 p.m., and the Jake Bartley Band will be the featured act.

The event will wrap up with a full-blown fireworks show at 10 p.m.