Essex Homes wants to say happy 239^th birthday, USA! On this special Independence Day, there is no need to go out of town for the Fourth of July because Columbia has its own celebration events for you and your family to enjoy!

Celebrate the day with peaches and patriotism at the Lexington County Peach Festival! Festivities kick off with a parade at 9:30 a.m. followed by a day full of activities such as live entertainment, more than 100 arts and crafts exhibits, an antique car show, a Revolutionary War re-enactment and a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. During the day, taste authentic foods prepared by locals and countless peach recipes in the peach contest!

For those near Lake Murray, be sure to catch the Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration! This is South Carolina’s largest fireworks show. The evening begins with a festive Fourth of July-themed boat parade. The Lake Murray Orchestra will follow with a patriotic concert, and the grand finale is a stunning fireworks display. You can watch the event from The Dreher Island State Park and both Lake Murray Dam park sites. Bring a blanket and picnic, and make a night of it! Get there early to ensure your spot, as gates close at 8 p.m. Entry at Dreher Island State Park is $2 per adult and free to kids 15 years old and younger. Lake Murray Dam park sites admission is $3 per car.

Enjoy a night with the family cheering on the Columbia Blowfish baseball players at the Capital City Stadium beginning at 7 p.m. Stay after and watch a fireworks display in the stadium immediately following the game!

Watch a movie under the stars at the Columbia Speedway at the American Classic Drive-In Movie event. The featured movie, Cayce, begins at 8:50 p.m.

Attend the Freedom Festival, taking place at the Village at Sand Park. Listen to Ronnie McDowell perform at 7 p.m., and enjoy the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Come to a Fourth of July party and Fundraiser for the Fall Heroes at the Lexington VFW. Donations can be dropped off after 4 p.m., and the party starts at 7 p.m.! Following the party, there will be a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Watch patriotic skydivers fly down from above at the Fourth of July Skydiving Exhibition at 8 p.m. The skydivers will land at Newberry High School, and fireworks will progress after the exhibition.

Essex Homes wishes you all a happy Fourth of July! As an added bonus, Essex Homes honors its military home buyers this Independence Day, and every day, with a $2,000 Homes for Heroes incentive. For more information about buying an Essex home or the Homes for Heroes bonus, visit the website at www.EssexHomes.net.