God (bang!) bless (bang!) America (bang!)

Where to see (and hear) this year's fireworks displays

Most people would agree that once you hit 232 years old, it's pretty much all downhill from there. (Just ask Larry King.) But at 231 and counting, the good old U.S. of A. is still going strong, boasting things like great people, beautiful landscapes and, of course, the Pontiac Aztek.

On Friday, help her celebrate all these wonderful things by eating unhealthy food, drinking (soda) to excess and lighting things on fire. Preview has decided to leave the first two to you, but has compiled an exhaustive list of all the places to check out fireworks this Fourth of July.

Charleston

What: Fourth of July Picnic on the Harbor

Where: South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf

When: Friday, 7:30-10 p.m.

Price: Adults: $55 for nonmembers, $45 for members; children: $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members; children ages 2 and under: free.

Contact: 577-3474, www.scaquarium.org

Info: If you love the Patriots Point fireworks show, but don't care much for the traffic, head over to the S.C. Aquarium for a sufficiently less-congested view of the display. There will be a barbecue dinner provided by Jim 'N Nick's, drinks by Pepsi, as well as live entertainment. Beer and wine are also available.

Folly Beach

Where: 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach County Park

When: Friday, around dusk (likely 8:30-9 p.m.)

Price: Free.

Contact: 588-2426, www.follybeach.com.

Info: If you like your fireworks shows with out all the extra frills such as cookouts, music and vendors, head down to the beach in the vicinity of the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier for a great pyrotechnic display.

Goose Creek

What: Fabulous Fourth in the Creek

Where: Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center, 519 North Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek

When: Friday, 7-9 p.m.

Price: Free.

Contact: 797-6220 (ext. 117), www.cityofgoosecreek.com

Info: Local band Starling will hold a concert to be followed by a fireworks display. Picnics are allowed, but alcohol is not (unless it's of the rubbing variety). Other places to see the fireworks include Trident Baptist Church at the corner of Hwy. 52 and Montague Plantation Drive and at Dennis Park on Anita Drive.

Isle of Palms

Where: Front beach area near the pier.

When: Friday, beginning around 9:30 p.m. (Fireworks will start immediately following the Sullivan's Island show.)

Price: Free.

Contact: 886-4410.

Info: The people in charge of this show will be in radio communication with Sullivan's Island to ensure that the two shows don't overlap, allowing visitors at each celebration to watch both fireworks displays.

Moncks Corner

Where: Old Santee Canal Park

When: Saturday, starting at 2 p.m.

Price: Free.

Contact: 899-4708, www.townofmonckscorner.sc.gov

Info: Things kick off with a big parade on Main Street downtown at 10 a.m. Then, at Santee Canal Park there will be a festival starting at 2 p.m., concluding with fireworks.

Mount Pleasant

What: Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

Where: Yorktown Aircraft Carrier, Mount Pleasant

When: Friday, 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Price: Free.

Contact: 831-1720, www.patriotspoint.org

Info: Called "one of the best Fourth of July parties" by the New York Times, this Fourth of July extravaganza features fireworks from the flight deck of the Yorktown. In the past, crowds have been as large as 30,000 people, and the amount spent on fireworks well over $25,000. This year should be no different as the festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a food court, beer garden, children's area and live music.

What: Fourth of July CelebratI'On

Where: I'On Village (off Mathis Ferry Road).

When: Friday, 6-9 p.m.

Price: Free.

Contact: 881-7541, www.ioncommunity.com.

Info: Catch Heart and Soul performing classic rock, Motown, beach music and more at the Westlake Amphitheater. Food and beverages will be available, and picnics and coolers welcome.

North Charleston

Where: Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Dr.

When: Friday, 3-10 p.m.

Price: Free

Contact: 745-1087, www.northcharleston.org

Info: While fireworks are the featured performer, the supporting cast is made up of live afternoon and evening concerts headlined by The Drifters and the Marshall Tucker Band. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and families can bring food or enjoy snacks from vendors.

Sullivan's Island

Where: Public park on Middle Street.

When: Friday at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at dusk.

Price: Free.

Contact: 883-9944.

Info: Sponsored by the Sullivan's Island Park Foundation, this event will feature local food vendors, live music (starting about 6:30 p.m.) and, of course, fireworks. Just remember, no personal fireworks are allowed. It's also worth mentioning that cutoff jean shorts, while still legal, are something you should probably avoid as well.

Summerville

What: Red, White & Blue on the Green

Where: Summerville Town Square, 104 Civic Center

When: Friday, 4-7 p.m.

Price: Free.

Contact: 821-7260, www.summervilledream.org.

Info: Events and activities include a magic show, live music, games for kids, jump castles and prizes. A parade also will be held with participants encouraged to decorate their baby carriages, little red wagons, Rollerblades, bicycles and tricycles. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Original and Most Patriotic Pet.