For the 21st year, local folks will get to show their patriotism and celebrate America at the Raysville Fireworks Show. The annual show begins at dark on Friday, July 3, at the Amity Recreation Park.
Forward McDuffie Director Mike Carrington said the show will last approximately 20 minutes and WTHO radio will play patriotic music to accompany the fireworks. Although the fireworks are shot from Amity, they can be seen from Raysville Marina, the Raysville and Thomson boat clubs, the bridges in the area and from the lake by boat.
"It's really neat because it's shot over the water," Mr. Carrington said. "It's really pretty with all the fireworks reflecting off the water."
According to previous McDuffie Mirror reports, the tradition began when several members of the Raysville Boat Club started shooting firecrackers. When Desert Storm took place, patriotism grew, and so did the fireworks. The first show cost approximately $75, but the cost has grown to $10,000.
Mr. Carrington said the Raysville Boat Club sponsored the project until a year ago, and the Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce joined them. Queensborough National Bank and Trust also is a "big sponsor," according to Mr. Carrington.
"And then we get a lot of smaller sponsorships from smaller companies and individuals," he added.
The size of the show depends on the number of sponsors, so Mr. Carrington said it's not too late to call the Chamber office and join the sponsorship. The show is put on by Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc., of South Carolina.
"Most people come by boat and sit out there in the water and enjoy the fireworks and then just tool on back home. Some of them in houseboats just park and stay there all night," Mr. Carrington said. "It's just a fun, annual event we always do. I hope they all come out and enjoy themselves."
Amity Park, the boat clubs, marina and bridges are all on the Thomson-Lincolnton Highway.
