Lowcountry residents excited to celebrate Independence Day

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – One of the biggest fireworks shows in the Lowcountry will be held at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park.

The event is free to attend, and gates open at 5 p.m. Organizers say there will be food trucks on site and music by DJ Natty Heavy, The Secrets, and The Chairmen of the Board.

“Fourth of July – Independence Day – it’s a just great American holiday,” said Anthony Agliardi, who is visiting from Florida. “It’s celebrating all that it means to be an American and enjoy all the luxuries and freedoms that we have in this country.”

“It’s a good day to reflect on everything that you have- like the freedom you have. I’m out here running today. I’m blessed to be able to even be out here and just be alive and have the rights that we do,” said Kenneth Seabrook.

“Fourth of July means a lot to me,” said Jonah Elsie, who has been looking forward to the holiday. “I’m super stoked this year to see the fireworks and just have a good time hanging out with family, going to hand out with my girlfriend.”

“I served in the Navy for 30 years. So, I’ve seen a lot of Independence Days,” said US Navy Veteran Jay Hubbell.

Hubbell said his service to the nation he loves gets more respect.

“I’ve been through the Navy during the time in the 1960s when service people weren’t very popular. And now I walk around, and service people get the respect they deserve. I’ve seen a dramatic change since the 1960s.”

His wife Jeany Hubbell says she loves Independence Day.

“Fourth of July is very nice, and I love it. I’ve been here in the United States for 50 years and I always watch the fireworks and I love it. Yes, this is why I always ask my husband to come with me and my grandchildren. This is a great country,” she said.

Hubbell says they have lived all over, but they love the Lowcountry.

“I’ve become a US citizen in the 80s and I love it because you can go everywhere in this earth,” she said.

And out of everywhere, they chose to live here.

“So, we decided to buy a house here and live here. I love the people and I love the beach,” the said. “I’ve been all over the world now, because I said I really want to live in this country. This is great. I love America!”

Gates will open for North Charleston’s celebration at 5 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m.

Officials said fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket so they will have somewhere to sit and relax.

You are also asked to enter the former Navy base from Virginia Avenue for free parking.

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