We’ve heard it again and again this week: Sunday’s fireworks show on Lake Martin was one of the best ever.
This was the 10th annual Fourth of July Blast, staged at the Lake Martin Amphitheater by Russell Lands, which continues the Lake Martin fireworks tradition started by the Blount family years ago.
A crowd of about 3,000 watched the fireworks and a concert from the amphitheater. About 3,000 boatloads of people watched from the lake. We’re guessing, but when you add in all those could watch from their lake homes, the number of people enjoying this fireworks show could have easily exceeded 20,000.
The weather cooperated beautifully. It was as comfortable as any Southerner could hope for in July, and a beautiful sunset set the stage above the lake. Once it got dark, the fireworks began: different colored blooms, earth-shaking explosions and even a heart-shaped burst with an arrow beside it. As in years’ past, the show built to a crescendo … but this year the finale seemed to go on and on in an impressive, rapid-fire, multi-color display. Just when we thought it would end, another wave of breath-taking golden bursts blossomed over the lake.
It was indeed a memorable celebration of our nation’s birthday.
On behalf of thousands, we’d like to congratulate and thank Russell Lands for staging an exceptional Independence Day celebration on Lake Martin.