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What to expect: Thirty minutes of fireworks shot from the new bridge as well as from barges in Charleston Harbor. There will appear to be a “mile of fireworks” as one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks shows celebrates the new future for our region and sets the stage for the first official lighting of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm and will last approximately thirty minutes. As soon as they are over, the switch will be hit and the bridge will warm up with a swell of light subtly reflecting off of its white cables.
Places to View the Fireworks: Anywhere you can see the top half of the bridge’s diamond towers, you will be able to see the fireworks show. With such a large show, great views will be available for miles across Charleston harbor and up either side of Daniel Island.
The fireworks will be broadcast in the entirety on SCETV and all local network affiliates. The fireworks will be choreographed to 30 minutes of music, which will be will be able to be heard on WSC 94.3 FM, Coast 92.5, The Bridge at 105.5 FM, WJAZ 98.9, and Sunny 96.9 FM.
Viewing the Fireworks from A Boat in Charleston Harbor: ALL BOATERS MUST STAY OUT OF THE SAFETY ZONE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE COOPER RIVER BETWEEN DRUM ISLAND AND BOUYS 41 & 42 (just south of Remley’s Point) SOUTH ALONG DRUM ISLAND TO BOUY 2 AND OVER TO THE NORTH OF THE YORKTOWN’S BOW.
Due to the amount of shipping traffic utilizing Charleston Harbor each day, the Cooper River Shipping Channel will be closed for commercial traffic between 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm. The Town Creek channel will remain open throughout the event.
Boaters are encouraged to be safe. Check boat lights to insure that they are properly operating. Make certain that your boat has an approved life preserver for everyone on board. Any passenger under the age of 12 on a vessel smaller than 16 feet in length must wear an approved life jacket at all times. Those wishing to anchor in Charleston Harbor will need to plan for extending long anchor lines. Keep alcohol consumption under check and always designate a sober driver.
THE COAST GUARD AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT VESSELS WILL BE PRESENT WITH MORE THAN 35 BOATS TO ENFORCE THE SAFETY ZONE AND OTHER BOATING REGULATIONS.
Viewing the Fireworks from Charleston: From 6:30 pm until 11:00 pm on Thursday, July 14th, food and drink vendors as well as entertainment stages will be provided along the waterfront at Concord Park, Liberty Square, and the Maritime Center. Pets are not invited to this event. Food and beverages of all kinds will be available; please no coolers. To accommodate the expected crowds, those planning to watch the fireworks from this area are asked not to bring blankets, tables, or tents.
Additional recommendations for viewing the fireworks from Charleston include the Waterfront Park and the High Battery.
Viewing the Fireworks from Mount Pleasant:
Some parking will be made available at the Mount Pleasant/College of Charleston Sports Complex at Patriots Point. Because the soccer fields offer an excellent viewing location, the public is invited to bring coolers, food, and chairs to listen to a free concert by Minimum Wage from 7pm until 9pm. Restrooms will be provided. Unfortunately, handicapped parking will be limited.
The Harbor Hilton, Patriots Point and Zinc are all having private functions on July 14, 2005. Signage will be placed on Patriots Point Boulevard directing all vehicular traffic.
Additional viewing locations in Mount Pleasant are noted as the Pitt Street Bridge, Alhambra Hall, and Remley’s Point. The foot of the new Ravenel Bridge adjacent to the old Grace Church (on the southeast side of Johnnie Dodds – across from the Holiday Inn) will also be available as an excellent viewing location.
FINALLY – THE FIREWORKS AND BRIDGE LIGHTING SHOULD BE WONDERFUL. LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED. THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY. ARRIVE HOURS IN ADVANCE AND EXPECT DELAYS WHEN YOU HEAD HOME.
THIS IS A TIME OF CELEBRATION AND COMING TOGETHER. PLEASE BE PATIENT. BE ASSURRED THAT TRAFFIC PERSONELL WILL BE DOING THEIR BEST TO CLEAR THE VIEWING LOCATIONS AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE. THANKS. |
