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Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Augusta’s Morning News with John Patrick & Mary Liz Nolan

Fireworks Are Fun At Home, But What’s Legal And What’s Not In Georgia And South Carolina

Author Mary Liz Nolan

Fireworks are fun for the 4th of July, but if you’re planning to buy your own, it’s best to know what you can legally buy and where you can use them.

Fireworks That are Legal in Georgia

All fireworks classified as DOT 1.4G (consumer fireworks) in Georgia are legal to purchase in retail stores across the state and include:

  • Bottle Rockets
  • Sky Rockets
  • Roman Candles
  • Firecrackers
  • Sparklers
  • Smoke and Punk
  • Fountains
  • Missiles
  • Novelties
  • Crackle and Strobe
  • Parachutes
  • Wheels and Spinners
  • Sky Flyers
  • Display Shells
  • Aerial Items (Cakes)

Who Can Buy Consumer Fireworks in Georgia?

  • You must be at least 18 to purchase fireworks. There is not an exact age for lighting them, officials caution that most injuries occur to children under the age of 16, according to health reports.

When Can You Light Fireworks in Georgia?

  • Technically, you can ignite fireworks all year. On holidays, such as July 4 and New Years, hours are extended.
  • New Years: until 1 am
  • Fourth of July: until midnight
  • Any other day: between 10 am and 11:59 pm

Where Can You Light Fireworks in Georgia?

  • Some private communities, including HOAs, may prohibit fireworks. Check with yours to make sure you understand the rules
  • NEVER light fireworks within 100 yards of a gas station, hospital, nursing home, jail or prison, electric plant, waste-water treatment plant, refinery or electric substation.

What’s Legal in South Carolina

Fireworks are legal to buy and shoot in South Carolina every day for those 16 and older, but some counties have specific rules on the use of them.

On July 4th and New Year’s Eve holiday, you can shoot fireworks until 1:00 am the following day (July 4th and January 1)

New Restrictions in South Carolina

  • It’s now illegal to negligently, recklessly, or intentionally direct the discharge of fireworks towards a structure, animal or person.
  • It’s illegal to sell fireworks to children under the age of 16 unless accompanied by a parent.
  • It’s now illegal to ignite or detonate fireworks within 600 feet of a church, hospital, public school, unless they are holding an event or permission has been given to use fireworks on the property.

Illegal Fireworks in South Carolina

  • M-80s
  • TNT Salutes
  • Small bottle rockets less than 3 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter
  • Any firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of pyrotechnics are prohibited by federal law

Are Fireworks Legal At the Beaches in South Carolina

  • Myrtle Beach, Folly Beach, Hilton Head, and Kiawah Island have all prohibited fireworks
  • Fireworks are allowed outside of Myrtle Beach city limits in Horry County and outside Charleston city limits in Charleston County

Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.

4th Of July In Augusta - Events To Celebrate Our Independence

It’s almost time to celebrate Independence Day! Do you have plans for the 4th of July in Augusta? If not, we’ve got a list of patriotic events below for you and family to check out from Wednesday, July 3rd through the weekend.

4th Of July History

Independence Day, 4th of July, July 4th… no matter what you call it, it’s a day we celebrate our country’s independence. This day became a federal holiday here in the United State in 1941, according to History.com. But celebrating our independence goes even further back to the 18th century.

The Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775. Colonists were trying to break free from Great Britain. Hostility grew and more and more colonists were hoping for independence.

When the Continental Congress met on June 7th, 1776, there was a motion called for independence, but a heated debate postponed a vote. That’s when a 5 man committee was appointed to draft a formal statement. That formal statement would become what we know as the Declaration of Independence.

It was July 2nd, 1776, when the Continental Congress voted in favor of our independence. And two days later, July 4th, delegates from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. From that day, the 4th of July became the day to honor the birth of American independence.

Ways To Celebrate The 4th Of July

In the early days of celebrating our independence, some colonists actually help mock funerals for King George III to celebrate the end of the monarchy’s reign over them. From there, celebrations evolved to include concerts, bonfires, parades, firing of cannons and muskets, and some held public readings of the Declaration of Independence.

Celebrating the 4th of July hasn’t changed too much. We still celebrate with concerts, parades, and fireworks. Some people also host cookouts, pool parties, and family get togethers.

4th of July In Augusta – Events

If you’re not quite sure how you’ll celebrate the 4th of July in Augusta, we’ve got some local events for you happening from Wednesday, July 3rd through the weekend.

  • Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - Fort Eisenhower Independence Celebration

    Don’t miss the Fort Eisenhower Independence Celebration at Barton Field! It’s the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s freedom. Enjoy live entertainment from Chris Cagle and Lonestar, along with a kiddie carnival, food vendors, and more. The night will wrap up with a fireworks extravaganza.

    This is a FREE event that is open to the public. For more information, visit Eisenhower.ArmyMWR.com.

    Fort Eisenhower Independence Celebration

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Yankee Doodle Dash 5K/10K

    Kick off your 4th of July with a 5K or 10K! Put on your red, white, and blue and enjoy this celebration on the river. It’s a flat out and back course that goes along the scenic Savannah River. The event is chip-timed. The first 275 registrants will receive a finisher medal.

    The course is dog, stroller, and family-friendly. The 10K starts at 7 a.m. And the 5K starts at 7:10 a.m.

    Registration is available online or at bib pick up on Wednesday, July 3rd at Fleet Feet Augusta. There is no morning of packet pick up.

    Address: Mill Village Trailhead – Augusta Canal – 109 Eve Street, Augusta, GA

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Independence Day at Meadow Garden

    Meadow Garden is a historic home which belonged to George Walton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be a reading of it at 11 a.m. along with the revolutionary color guard and live music from the Garden City Strummers. There will also be a Revolutionary Soldiers’ display and children’s activities, including quill pen writing.

    This is a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more information HERE.

    Address: 1320 Independence Drive, Augusta, GA

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Augusta GreenJackets Independence Celebration & Fireworks Show

    Enjoy America’s favorite pastime to celebrate the 4th of July! The Augusta GreenJackets will host their Independence Celebration & Fireworks Show. The GreenJackets will take on the Columbia Fireflies, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and first pitch at 6:35 p.m. There will be a pre-game concert with Gone Again! And there will be an Independence Day Jersey Auction to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta.

    The night will wrap up with a fireworks extravaganza!
    Address: 187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta, SC
    Posted by Augusta GreenJackets on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Independence Day Paddle

    It’s the third annual Independence Day Paddle hosted by Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals. You can enjoy enjoy a kayak adventure with obstacle free views of two different fireworks shows in the Augusta area.

    The paddle kicks off at 7 p.m. at the 5th Street Marina Terrace. Get more details HERE.

    Address: 1 5th Street, Augusta, GA

    Posted by Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals on Tuesday, June 4, 2024

  • Thursday, July 4, 2024 - BOOM! In The Park

    The biggest 4th of July celebration in town! It’s Boom! In The Park at Evans Towne Center Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. There will be food and beverage vendors, live music from Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti, plus a brand-new laser show!

    The night will wrap up with fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this FREE Independence Day celebration in Evans.

    Address: 7016 Evans Town Center Boulevard, Evans, GA

    Posted by Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events on Thursday, May 2, 2024

  • Friday, July 5, 2024 - Freedom Blast

    The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber Of Commerce is hosting its annual Freedom Blast on Friday, July 5th. The fireworks show will be held in Downtown Thomson and is open to the public. They encourage you to bring your own chairs and enjoy a night of food, fellowship, and fireworks.

    Food vendors will be on-site with food and refreshments for purchase. There will also be music throughout the night, along with inflatables for the kids.  The event kicks off at 7 p.m.

    Address: 210 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA

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Author Mary Liz Nolan
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