The Fourth of July weekend in West Columbia is the epicenter for eco-tourism.

“It’s our busiest day of the year,” said Michael Mayo, owner of Palmetto Outdoors. “The volume will be tremendous.”

Much of the Palmetto Outdoors activity will be at the West Columbia Riverwalk.

The river tubing and kayaking provider, said Mayo, is a great example of the development of the tourism industry in West Columbia.

“We are embracing the recreational resources of the three rivers, the Saluda, the Broad and the Congaree, in a big way,” he said.

Mayo said his goal at Palmetto Outdoors is to promote the exploration of refreshing outdoor activities in a unique metropolitan area.

Preparation for the July 4 weekend begins months in advance. The number of tubers and kayakers coming to West Columbia increases every year. He said in 2020, when the Enabling Park and the Interactive Art Park are open, it will be even busier.

This year, Mayo said he will host a busload of river adventurers from Florida on July 4th. He has clients from more than a dozen states, many of them coming from Georgia and North Carolina.

“We want everyone who comes to have a safe and fantastic 4th,” he said.

Palmetto Outdoor caters to all age groups to deliver a fulfilling experience that truly encompasses what it means to be surrounded in natural beauty on the fast-moving water of the river.