Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Amusement rides, live music, car shows and more

 

COLUMBUS—The Town of Columbus is gearing up to host the 2024 Fabulous Fourth of July Festival on Thursday, July 4, on Mills St. in downtown Columbus. This year, the 61st annual event features some of the biggest local musicians, a drive-in car show, and plenty of games for the entire family to enjoy. Amusement rides will make their return to the festival, and of course, the grand finale fireworks show will finish the night off with a bang.

With the festival schedule kicking off at 10 a.m., attendees will have many opportunities to take part in a variety of patriotic activities. The Polk County Color Guard will perform post colors on the stage located near Hampton St., followed by Anita Williamson’s performance of the Star Spangled Banner and a ceremonial address from Columbus Mayor Pat McCool. 

The Drive-in Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. where attendees can vote for their favorite vehicle while browsing unique classic cars, trucks and more. Kids games will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., complete with a dunk tank, a prize tent and giveaways by Crossroads Baptist Church. Food and craft vendors will be set up along Mills St. offering food, refreshments and souvenirs. 

Amusement rides will be making their grand return this year, where attendees can indulge in two days of thrills and excitement. The rides will be available on July 3 and July 4 with two purchase options— an all-day wristband or individually sold tickets. Wristbands for July 3 will be sold from 5 to 9 p.m. On July 4, a different wristband will be sold from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., on July 4, individual tickets will be available for purchase. Wristbands will cost $20 per person. 

A number of musical performances will take place on stage throughout the day, offering many genres such as folk, bluegrass, blues, jazz, funk, gospel, country, classic rock, southern rock and more. Bobby Wynn’s performance will start at 10:10 a.m., followed by Mark Queen and Greg Trollinger at 11. Patrick Ballard will pluck his banjo in a bluegrass and blues performance at 1 p.m., followed by Jennifer Allsbrook at 2:30. Red Dog and Friends will grace the stage with a performance at 4 p.m., followed by Black Jack at 5:30. Silver Travis and Cary Upton will perform at 7 p.m. covering some classic rock hits, playing some of their original tunes and also paying tribute to the Marshall Tucker Band.

Headlining the musical performances will be Misdemeanor, who will perform southern rock tunes as well as funk, blues, and soul hits at 8:30 p.m. Misdemeanor will also perform the Star Spangled Banner at 9:43 p.m., just before the grand finale fireworks show begins. The music stage is built and sponsored by Henson Building Materials in Tryon.

The 2024 Fabulous Fourth of July Festival’s event sponsors include St. Luke’s Hospital, Nelon-Cole Termite and Pest Control, O’Reilly Auto Parts, King Smoke & Vape, Jackson’s Towing, Bojangles, Emberglow, Rosa Aguirre with Keller Williams NC Real Estate Agency, Dentistry 200 and the Sanctuary at Red Bell Run. 

In the event of rain, the festival will be postponed to Saturday, July 6.