Hundreds of boaters were on the water for the 26th annual Murrells Inlet boat parade. The boats were decorated with American flags and lots of red, white, and blue.

A July Fourth tradition was renewed in Garden City.

Crowds gathered in Florence’s Timrod Park for the city’s annual Spirit of Florence celebration.

Rolling Thunder celebrated Independence Day with a motorcycle parade through Florence.

Chuck Depreker is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who says Americans should never take the Fourth of July for granted.

While many people, including city and federal employees enjoyed the day off Friday, it was the beginning of a busy weekend for most local businesses.

Remember to be extra careful this holiday weekend. Both Horry County and North Myrtle Beach Fire and Rescue and the State Forestry Commission will be monitoring the April wildfire zone this weekend.

Adults and children will have plenty to keep them busy Saturday as they celebrate freedom and independence at the “Spirit of Florence” family festival.

The Sixth Annual Hartsville Family Fireworks Festival is scheduled for tonight on the campus of Emmanuel Baptist Church at the intersection of U.S. 15 North and the U.S. 15 Bypass.

Freestyle Music Park announced Thursday host a July Fourth celebration Saturday.

There is good news as far gas prices which are a lot lower than last year. However, the economic uncertainty many families face appears to be a main reason for the overall travel decline.

While many will travel to the beach or lake to enjoy the long July Fourth weekend, those who opt to stay close to home will have many opportunities to join others in celebrating our country’s freedom and independence.

Here’s a rundown of fireworks events planned for Saturday along the Grand Strand:

After weeks of the firework stands sitting on almost every corner, it’s finally time to pack up and take the poppers and sparklers away until next year.  Several vendors anticipated a large hit with the struggling economy, but most weren’t too disappointed. 

More than 100 people gathered at Jahn and Colleen Hultgren’s home in Florence to participate in what has become a tradition of fellowship and waving the American flag along Interstate 95.