Patriots Point hosts award-winning celebration

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant is indeed keeping an online countdown of days until Independence Day. This Saturday, the home of the aircraft carrier Yorktown will be hosting its 13th annual Fourth of July Blast.

The tradition was ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the region for July 2009. Though it drew over 27,000 people last year, the organizers of the event have added extra festivities this year and are anticipating an even larger crowd.

The Blast will kick off at 4 p.m. with the national anthem and a salute to the armed forces. Celebrations will continue through midnight. Though admission and parking are free, it's a good idea for guests to bring a little of their hard earned American cash. Vendors will be selling American staples like hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream as well as adult beverages. Coolers and outside food are not allowed.

After 5 p.m. admission to the Yorktown, the World War II aircraft carrier that brought the Point to fame, will drop to $5 from the typical $16 for adults. The craft, which saw action in both the Philippine Sea and Iwo Jima, will also host volunteer veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq, all sharing their personal accounts of achievement and honor.

Elizabeth Bender, a communications representative at Patriots Point, said that she couldn't think of a better, more unique way to celebrate the holiday.

"It's not just that we're Patriots Point and a really awesome symbol of patriotism," Bender said. "Here you can actually get involved with ideas of liberty and patriotism."

Anticipating that hearing harrowing tales of bravery will make visitors want to give back to their community and nation, Patriots Point is offering two such opportunities on site for the first time. A canned food drive, heavily sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, will help those who benefit from charities including the Lowcountry Food Bank, the East Cooper Community Outreach and the Good Neighbor Center.

The event also recognizes the 856th Engineer Company stationed in Taji, Iraq, until September. Three Charleston natives belong to the unit. Guests will be encourage to sign a banner to be sent in a belated Independence Day care package and to record video messages of gratitude that will be streaming live on WCBD New Channel 2's Web site.

Two stages will feature The East Coast Party Band playing oldies and shag music, and Threshold, a Charlotte '80s and '90s rock cover band.

A "Kidz Zone" will include games, rides and an 83-foot inflatable replica of an aircraft carrier.

A fantastic fireworks show in the sky above picturesque Charleston harbor will be launched off of the Yorktown at 10:05 p.m. and will be set to patriotic music.

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, while furry friends are not. For more information on the event, visit patriotspoint.org.