The Lake Murray July 4 celebration is back.

The Boat Parade will start at noon July 3 with the theme, “Proud to be an American.” At dusk, fireworks will launch from both Dreher Island and Spence Island. The fireworks show is synchronized to a patriotic music show on iHeart Media station 97.5.

Boats of all sizes are invited to decorate and enter the parade. To register, call (803) 781-5940 ext. 200 or visit LakeMurrayCountry. com. The event, sponsored by the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, is the state’s largest patriotic event and fireworks show.

THE SC DEPARTMENT of Revenue will launch a new and improved version of MyDORWAY June 28. If you use MyDORWAY to manage your South Carolina tax accounts, you can expect to see two major upgrades the first time you log in:

• A refreshed layout that makes it easier to find your accounts and to-do items

• A responsive design will automatically adjust to your screen no matter what device you’re using, including smartphones and tablets

Existing MyDORWAY users don’t need to do anything when these upgrades go live; your account info, password, and access will transfer automatically.

PLANNING TO ELOPE? Or just want to get married in a charming place?

Samantha Leitner, a veteran wedding officiant, has opened her wedding and elopement facility, Midlands Wedding Officiant SC at 989 Knox Abbott Dr., Suite 101, in Cayce.

Leitner offers in-office ceremonies with a choice of backdrops for photos, including an English garden.

Weddings run from $75 and up. Guests are not allowed except for children.

Leitner also performs weddings wherever the couple chooses.

ON ANOTHER PATRIOTIC note, Wreaths Across America reports that the wreathlaying ceremony will take place at noon Dec. 18 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. It was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19.

The nonprofit group estimates it will need $157,000 to cover costs for the increasing number of grave sites at the cemetery. Cost for a single wreath is $15. For every 2 wreaths purchased, the National Wreaths Across America will donate a 3rd wreath free.

Any group or business can be recognized on the National Wreaths Across America website by submitting their logo and message.

It will appear on the Fort Jackson National Cemetery page of the website.

You can join such local groups as the Lexington High AFJROTC, the White Knoll NJROTC, the Lexington Area Wings Chapter and St. James Lutheran Church in sponsoring a wreath or 2. Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17133/

THE PEAKS OF Lexington LP has been awarded $500,000 to build 78 affordable rental units in Lexington by the SC State Housing, Finance and Development Authority.

The HOME Investment Partnership award will increase housing choices for low-income households.

The Peaks of Lexington is also accepting qualification statements for potential 3rd party general contractors. For more information, email info@rhgroup.org

SHEPPARD’S GLASS SERVICE has opened a new location in Chapin offering auto, commercial and residential glass at 855 Chapin Rd.

The office will be managed by 21-year-old Blake Sheppard, who grew up in the glass business and wants to continue the family’s values of meticulous service and building close customer relationships.

THE TOWN OF Lexington will present a free bluegrass show featuring The Local Boys July 16, 7 pm, at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Beer, wine and soft drinks and food will be for sale.