The cutest parade in Kershaw County is getting a “sestercentennial-sized” glow up! Kids from all across Kershaw County are invited to show off their patriotic spirit, decorating bicycles, scooters, and wagons and wearing their red, white, and blue as we celebrate the 10th Annual Kids’ 4th of July Parade, in partnership with Books on Broad, and America’s 250th Birthday!
Festivities begin at Camden City Hall at 9:30 am, with balloons and decorations handed out by the Camden Fire Department and the Hobkirk Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, to help spruce up the bikes and other non-motorized vehicles. A short program will begin at 10:15, and the parade starts at 10:30 am. This is a free event open to the community. For the safety of all participants, motorized vehicles (electric or gas powered) are not allowed, and children 10 and under must be escorted by an adult.
A special addition to this year’s program will be the 250th anthem composed by Ike Pitts, Director of Music at Grace Episcopal Church and performed by students in the Kershaw County School District’s Arts Arising program, which takes place each summer at the Arts Center of Kershaw County.
This year, the parade will march to Camden City Arena, 420 Broad Street, for a community-wide celebration of our nation’s independence, on the 250th anniversary. All our welcome, as you enjoy live music from the BunchQuitters, playing Americana and bluegrass tunes, and other entertainment, free refreshments, and more family fun – in partnership with community organizations such as the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, Daughters of the American Revolution, Col. Joseph Kershaw Chapter of the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution, the Kershaw County Library, Camden Junior Welfare League, and more. Free snow cones will be available to all parade participants. Looking to join in on the fun? Spaces at City Arena are still available to organizations wanting to hand out free giveaways or offer family-friendly activities. No vendors please. Email kspadacenta@camdensc.org for information.
The excitement surrounding America’s 250th anniversary is well underway. The Kershaw County 250th Committee and DAR are sponsoring a decorating contest for homes and businesses, along with a countywide scavenger hunt highlighting some of Kershaw County’s most significant historic sites. Learn more about both activities on the 250th Committee’s Facebook page at facebook.com/kc250th.
The parade is sponsored by Books on Broad and Coffee and the City of Camden.