Fourth of July Blast celebrates 40th year

It was the summer of 1976. The United States was set to celebrate its 200th birthday on July 4, and on Lake Martin, that day of celebration was drawing near. Winton “Red” Blount, had hired the Vitale Brothers at S. Vitale Pyrotechnic Industries of New Castle, Pennsylvania to set up and shoot fireworks over Lake Martin in celebration of the birth of our nation.

In 2001, when it looked like the fireworks might disappear from the lake, Ben Russell, in order to keep this valuable tradition alive, moved the firing site from the island just outside of Cocktail Slough to The AMP on Lake Martin. This year, we celebrate 40 years of fireworks over the Lake. The tradition built by Ben Russell and Russell Lands has become quite famous and as the Southeast’s largest Fourth of July fireworks display.

The fireworks will be lit at 9pm, but you will want to join us at The AMP at 6:30 to enjoy music from The Bank Walkers, maybe a hula hoop or twist contest, music from Sweet Tea Trio and an amazing fireworks display. It’s going to be a great night as we celebrate the birth of our nation and 40 years of fireworks over Lake Martin.

Tickets are $15, with children under 6 admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.theamponlakemartin.com or at the Russell Lands Corporate office, Nail’s Convenience Store and The Company Store at Russell Crossroads. Tickets are also available at the gate the day of the show.