Fourth of July celebrations can be different this year. They are abounding.

Many businesses now post signs that state “masks not required or optional.”

Guidelines do not say that unvaccinated people should abandon their masks. Just use good judgment!

Join the Town of Lexington for an Independence Day Celebration Friday, July 2 at Icehouse Amphitheater! The 246th Army Band will play a free concert from 7 pm until 9 pm with a fireworks show to follow.

YOU CAN tune into 93.1 FM The Lake to listen to patriotic music during the fireworks show. Best viewing areas include the Icehouse Amphitheater, Main Street restaurants, Lexington Square Park, Lexington Veterans Monument and any public parking lot in the downtown area.

On Saturday, July 3, the Lake Murray Boat Parade is at noon and fireworks show on Spence Island at dusk.

For the holiday, BBQ will be the popular choice as well as our succulent seasonal peaches for slicing, ice cream and pies.

STAN HITE announced that they are taking a break from their Hite-Dooley 4th of July BBQ for the 1st time in almost 20 years. You will be missed, Stan!

THE GILBERT Community Club Board of Directors has cancelled the 2021 Lexington County Peach Festival due to the covid-19 pandemic. The cancellation a 2nd year is a huge disappoint for all involved.

The board said planning the Peach Festival is a yearlong process and a decision to contact food vendors, suppliers, donors, entertainers has to be done well in advance.

The Community Club uses the Peach Festival earnings for financial support to student volunteers, local charities, and schools.

OUR LEXINGTON Chamber announces for the next breakfast guest speaker Tuesday, July 13 at 7:30 am will be Duane Parrish, director for the SC Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. He’ll give an update on the status of travel and tourism in SC.

“The pandemic recovery is in full swing in the Columbia area, judging by the number of people leaving town on a plane or coming here to visit. Those numbers are way up and exceeding expectations, according to travel and tourism experts who spoke to this week’s Northeast Connection and Small Business Breakout virtual meeting sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.”

Another sign of recovery: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden no longer requiring timed tickets or face coverings.

ANNE BULL reports: The Lexington Sertoma Club held its 30th annual golf tournament June 21 at Golden Hills Country Club. Congratulations to the winning team, Wayne, Josh, Nathaniel and Luke Caughman. Proceeds go to the club’s charitable projects.

MANY OF YOU took band or were band parents when Russ Rhodes taught in Lexington District 1. Russ and his wife, Jo Ann, have written their 2nd book, “Focus on Fitness” sold on Amazon. The book features poems and devotions for everyday living.

THE PURPLE Martin boat rides are back. Evening tours showcasing the daily return of the martins to Bomb Island will be available Monday - Friday July 5 - August 27. The martins leave the island at dawn each morning and return at sunset. To schedule a tour, contact Zach@wingardsmarket.com.

And Scott Adams reports Columbia International University’s School of Business students were among the delegates from around the world attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority Policy Conference in Orlando last week where they heard from Sen. Lindsey Graham, former Vice President Mike Pence and other conservative speakers.

Scott is CIU School of Business Dean and SC Faith and Freedom Coalition Secretary Leaders of the SC Faith and Freedom Coalition include former Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre, who serves as Treasurer.

MISSION LEXINGTON’S Church of the Month is Faith United Methodist, Volunteer of the Month Jane Miller and Ambassadors of the Month George and Nanette Renard.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bodie Hester, Gracen Torbett, Melissa Rawl, Ben Gies, Jason Gordon, Teresa Addy, Mary Keisler, Eddie Corley, Linda McIntosh, Ron Diegel, Glenda Dugan, Becky Robinson, Marsha Carroll, Sonya Lee, Barbara O’Brien, Lauren Owen, Gage Gaskins, Ashley Glover, Ben Haggard, Emily Rodgers, Meagan Schneider, Vernon Hester, V.J. Shealy, Loree Brazell and Gloria Rice.

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