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Published: Tuesday, Jun. 29, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Jun. 29, 2010 03:58 PM

Lake Wylie area is blast during holiday, all summerlong

Ah, the Fourth of July and the highlight of summer at Lake Wylie are here. There will be children having a great time at Camp Thunderbird and making memories that will last a lifetime. The lake and vicinity will be a buzz with activity from early morning to late night. It is a day and season of friends, family, picnics, fun, relaxation, recreation, and making memories. There are endless opportunities for boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, relaxing, golfing and exploring. Here are just a few opportunities and ideas for Fourth of July and summer fun throughout the season:

Tega Cay celebrates its birthday on July 4 each year. The annual tradition includes a pancake breakfast, parades, golf and activities in the park. There will be parades on land and on water. The boat parade will be a festive vision of red, white and blue, American flags, and folks dressed in patriotic garb. The Tega Cay fireworks display concludes this year’s two-day celebration. Any day of the summer Tega Cay Marina rents pontoon boats so folks can enjoy a day on the lake.

For those wanting the “urban camping and hiking” experience close to home on July 4 or any day, McDowell Park has campgrounds, fishing piers, hiking trails and picnic pavilions in a beautiful wooded park on the lake minutes from the city. You don’t need to drive hours to have a great nature and camping or picnic outing. Kings Mountain State and National Parks are minutes away from the lake located on the western side of Clover or Gastonia by Kings Mountain. These parks are rich in history, beauty and recreational opportunities. They also have campgrounds and a small lake in a natural setting. These are fabulous hidden jewels and places to gather with family and friends to create memories to last a lifetime. An overnight camping experience and gathering around a campfire to share stories and make s’mores.

For those needing to be entertained and having a craving for a roller coaster ride or water park, Carowinds offers a full day and nights worth of rides, water activities and entertainment. On the Fourth of July the day concludes with a 10 p.m. fireworks show. Family passes make it so you can go with your family throughout the summer.

Don’t forget the new Whitewater Center north of Belmont if you want to try out the rapids and spend a day in the sun and water. This new center is attracting a lot of interest and is a new experience to enjoy.

If your idea of an all-American day includes a baseball game, Knights Castle in Fort Mill has games all season and will have fireworks for the a special Fourth of July celebration. Check their calendar online for information. Before a game, a visit to Baxter Village is reminiscent to a “hometown” experience complete with an ice cream shop.

Long Cove Marina on the main channel of the lake off Pine Harbor Road is a beautiful park-like location on the lake with marina, swimming pool, beach, campground, bath house and picnic area. Long Cove is a perfect location for a company picnic or family reunion or just a great day on the lake. It has a spectacular view of the annual fireworks display. Better yet, enjoy a summer on the lake with Long Cove amenities for an annual membership for less than $300 a year. Long Cove has one of the most spectacular views of the lake.

Ebenezer Park on the south end of the lake off Museum Road in Rock Hill has a beach for swimming, picnic and camping areas and is conveniently located to enjoy a day or weekend on the lake. It is another nice location for “urban camping” or picnicking on the lake.

For an authentic, wholesome “retro” summer experience, take a country drive to the Peach Tree or one of the roadside farm stands that sells fresh peaches, berries and produce. Pack a picnic or have lunch on the deck at T-Bones on the Lake to soak in the beauty of the lake and its activity. Create your own day close to home with recreation, beauty and leisure. There is no end to the ways you can enjoy an outing to the lake area.

For the flower and garden lovers, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is not to be missed. Summer is the time to soak in the sights, and smells of beautiful summer flowers and gardens there. The new Orchid Conservatory is spectacular and each year it just gets better and better. Take a picnic and enjoy these gifts close to home.

The biggest day of the year at Lake Wylie is the Fourth of July. It has been reported that more than 30,000 people are on the lake on the Fourth of July. After a day of boating, recreation and family fun, folks gather near T-Bones on the Lake and the Buster Boyd Access Area to view the annual fireworks display held each year at about 9:45 p.m. July 4. The boats gather near the bridge and there are so many, you could walk across the lake from one boat to another. The sky lights up with this spectacular display of fireworks to conclude a fabulous day.

The Lake Wylie fireworks are solely funded by donations. “Cash for the Flash” is needed annually for the $22,000 needed each year to continue the tradition. Send donations to: Lake Wylie - Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund, One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

Wherever you are this Fourth of July or summer, explore the many local locations to enjoy a fantastic summer season.

Susan Bromfield is president of the Lake Wylie Chamber Commerce.