By Anna Culver | Fort Mill Now
Fort Mill is throwing a two-day celebration on July 3rd and 4th to honor America’s 249th birthday, and you’re invited to all the fun, fireworks, and festivities!
Independence Day Celebration – Thursday, July 3
Join the Town of Fort Mill on Thursday, July 3, for an Independence Day Celebration, an evening packed with entertainment, food, and patriotic spirit at Walter Elisha Park and the Fort Mill Amphitheater from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features:
- A variety of food trucks and vendors
- Roving entertainment including Sam & Liberty, Spirit Squad Dancers, and Red, White & Blue Stilt Walkers
- Kid’s activities like crafts, face painting, and balloon artists
- Live music and fireworks!
Event Schedule:
- 6:00PM – Most Patriotic Contest (for kids and adults!)
- 6:30PM – Live music by Main Event Band – get ready to dance!
- 7:30PM – Patriotic ceremony with Town Council, Strawberry Queens & special guests
- 8:00PM – The Swingin’ Medallions take the stage – get excited for their legendary horn line!
- 9:15PM – Fireworks Finale to light up the sky!
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
53rd Annual Firing of the Cannons – Friday, July 4
The celebration continues the next morning with a Fort Mill tradition 53 years strong—the Firing of the Cannons. This patriotic ceremony takes place in downtown Fort Mill on Friday, July 4, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The program includes:
- Remarks from Fort Mill Town Council
- Appearances by the South Carolina Strawberry Queens
- Musical performances of the National Anthem and more by Meghna Gopaluni, Kassidy Gavagan, Kyle Gavagan, Encore Music Studio, and Georgia Hathaway
- A historical presentation on the event’s legacy by Myla Smith, an 8th grader from Banks Trail Middle School
The event concludes with the ceremonial Firing of the Cannons, proudly led for the 52nd year by the Short Family, Fort Mill’s own resident cannoneers.
Important Note: Several streets downtown will be temporarily closed from 9 to 11 a.m. to accommodate the ceremony, including parts of N. & S. White Street, Main Street, Railroad Avenue, and Confederate Street. Please follow posted signs and directions from Town staff.
After the ceremony, take time to stroll through downtown Fort Mill and support local shops and restaurants open for the holiday.
Fort Mill’s 4th of July events are the perfect way to celebrate community and history. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday weekend!
Written by Anna Culver | Fort Mill Now
