The skies over Pierce County might not light up with the rockets red glare this Independence Day, but plans call for a celebration later in September.
Pierce County has celebrated in grand style in the past, however.
Patterson Lions Club started one of the first annual observances in the area in the 1950s.
The construction of a public swimming pool at the Patterson Lions Park gave festival goers a place to cool off in the sweltering July celebrations.
The event was known for a huge barbeque supper that drew crowds from far and wide. A campaign forum during election years drew myriad Senate and Governor as well as all local candidates to the Lions Park state through the year.
The culmination of the days activities was always a fireworks display at dark.
Unfortunately, the pool closed and eventually, the Lions Club membership began to fade away.
After cancellation for the first time in 50 years in 2003, the City of Patterson took over the celebration.
Patterson’s observance came back with a flourish, with a continuation of the barbeque supper and candidates forums, but with the added attractions of a festival featuring rides and games, softball tournaments, military demonstrations and concerts featuring The Tams, The Drifters and Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley impersonators.
The fireworks display also continued to draw oohs and ahhs from large crowds.
Declining attendance and fewer volunteers to help host the event, eventually led to the festival ending in 2016.
The former True Life Church congregation kept it going for a couple of years before all July 4th observances in Patterson finally came to a close.
Emmanuel Baptist Church brought fireworks to Blackshear for Independence Day for the first-time in memory. Emmanuel’s observance lasted for a couple of years before giving way to one held by the Blackshear Church of God last year. Emmanuel’s display returns this year with a fireworks show set for Sunday evening, July 5.
Mossy Pond Lodge in Offerman has sponsored and hosted a “Freedom Fest” for the last three years.
The event features a two-day event with concerts by country music artists and food, drink and merchandise vendors.
The event ends each evening with a fireworks display. This year’s Freedom Fest was held two weeks ago.
A portion of the revenues goes to help fund the Pierce County Recreation Department. Current plans call for fireworks and an America 250 celebration to be held Labor Day weekend at Blackshear City Park.
