Where to take the family on the Fourth of July

The Post and Courier

Mr. Jefferson and the missus had a whole brood. Even John Adams and wife Abigail had six. And, believe it or not, Patrick Henry had 17 kids.

'Tis true, our Founding Fathers had families.

And what better way to honor Independence Day than by celebrating with yours?

Here's a helpful guide to area activities, from fireworks to beaches, even tele- vision.

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

Where: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant.

When: 4-11:30 p.m., Friday.

How much: Free.

Contact: 831-1720, www.patriotspoint.org.

Called "one of the best Fourth of July parties" by The New York Times, the party features fireworks from the flight decks of the WWII aircraft carrier, Yorktown.

It starts at 4 p.m. with a food court, beer garden, children's area and music from the bands SideSwiped and the East Coast Party Band.

Fourth of July Celebration on the Charleston Harbor

Where: 100 Aquarium Wharf, S.C. Aquarium.

When: 7:30-10 p.m., Friday.

How much: Adults: $55 nonmember, $45 member; Children: $25 nonmember, $20 member, free for ages 2 and under.

Contact: 577-FISH, www.scaquarium.com.

The S.C. Aquarium is offering a celebration on the riverside terrace with a barbecue dinner from Jim 'N Nick's, refreshments from Pepsi, live entertainment and fireworks overlooking Charleston Harbor. Tickets include beer, refreshments and food.

July 4th Celebration, North Charleston

Where: Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Drive.

When: 3-10 p.m., Friday.

How much: Free.

Contact: 745-1087, www.northcharleston.org.

This gala features live afternoon and evening concerts headlined by The Drifters and the Marshall Tucker Band. Also playing: Ann Caldwell and the LooseFitt Jazz Ensemble, AMA Bolivian Folk Music Group, Oscar Rivers & Company.

The celebration concludes with a fireworks display over the Cooper River. Guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets, and families can bring food or enjoy snacks from vendors.

Summerville 4th of July Celebration: Red, White & Blue on the Green

Where: Summerville Town Square, 104 Civic Center.

When: 4-7 p.m., Friday.

How much: Free.

Contact: 821-7260, www.summervilledream.org.

Events and activities include a magic show, live music, games for kids, jump castles and prizes. A parade also will be held with participants encouraged to decorate their baby carriages, little red wagons, Rollerblades, bicycles and tricycles. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic, Most Original and Most Patriotic Pet.

Folly Beach Fireworks

Where: 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach County Park.

When: Around dusk, likely 8:30-9 p.m. Friday.

How much: Free.

Contact: 588-2426, www.follybeach.com.

Enjoy the beach before the fireworks or fish off the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier.

Moncks Corner Celebration

Where: 100 Behrman St., Moncks Corner Depot.

When: 8-11:30 p.m., Friday.

Contact: 899-4708, www.townofmonckscorner.sc.gov/

Moncks Corner celebrates the Fourth with a street dance featuring music from the band Custom 4+2. Food vendors will be on hand. Also, on Saturday a parade will be held on Main Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Santee Canal Park will also host a festival that day, from 2 p.m. until dusk, concluding with a fireworks display.

Fabulous Fourth in the Creek

Where: Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center, 519 North Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek.

When: 7-9 p.m., Friday.

Contact: 797-6220 (ext. 117), www.cityofgoosecreek.com.

Local band Starling will hold a concert to be followed by a fireworks display. Picnics are allowed, but alcoholic beverages are not. Alternate fireworks viewing sites include Trident Baptist Church at U.S. Highway 52 and Montague Plantation Drive and at Dennis Park on Anita Drive.

Rice Planters Amateur Golf Tournament

Where: 1200 Club Drive, Snee Farm Country Club, Mount Pleasant.

When: Today-Saturday.

How much: Free.

Contact: 953-6310, www.sneefarmcc.com/rpa

The Rice Planters Amateur is celebrating its 36th year, bringing a group of top amateur golfers to the area. The four-day invitational event has hosted several greats over the years, including Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Hal Sutton and Stewart Cink.

Beaches

A brief interactive guide to nine Charleston area beaches can be found online at www.charleston.net/beach_guide/. It includes parking, public restroom and concessions availability.

But just offhand, a few tips for one of the beach's busiest days of the year:

-- Get out there early. Traffic backs up on Folly Road and Sullivan's Island. Instead of showing up at 11 a.m. with everyone else, set out a bit sooner. Same goes for the boat ramps if you're heading to Morris Island or Capers Island.

-- Get a good parking space, preferably near a bathroom.

-- Bring plenty of water and an umbrella. Otherwise, it could be uncomfortable.

Waterparks

Contact: 795-4386, www.ccprc.com.

The Lowcountry supports three waterparks run by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission: Splash Island Waterpark at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park; Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterparks at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park; and Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park. General admission rates are $6.99-$18.99.

Nathan's Hot Dog-Eating Contest

Where: Coney Island, New York.

When: Close to noon on ESPN.

How much: Free, if you have cable.

See if American Joey Chestnut can hold off six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi. Chestnut set a world record last year, devouring 66 HDBs (hot dogs and buns) in 12 minutes.

Could be a great arithmetic (and nutrition) lesson for youngsters.

Reach Rob Young at 937-5518 and ryoung@postandcourier.com.

Editor's note: Earlier versions of this story contained incorrect information about the events at the S.C. Aquarium. The Post and Courier regrets the error.