The city is proud to mark a milestone celebration this year — its 44th birthday — while also joining the entire nation in honoring America’s Semi quincentennial, 250 years of American history. City officials are calling it an incredible time to be part of the community, and the festivities reflect that spirit.
A full schedule of planned events is available on the city’s website, with printed copies available at City Hall. As in previous years, the celebration includes a variety of exciting programming — and this year, we are introducing a brand-new initiative.
Introducing: Leaders of Tomorrow
The city is launching a coloring program for all school-aged children called Leaders of Tomorrow. Children can participate by downloading a coloring sheet from the city’s website or picking up at City Hall, color it with their vision what they want to be when they grow up and bring it into city hall where the child will receive a special SC 250 goodie bag, while supplies last. Submissions are being accepted beginning tomorrow through July 3rd at City Hall.
But the goodie bags are just the beginning. The city’s vision is to fill City Hall with the completed drawings — transforming the building into a gallery of children’s hopes, dreams, and visions for the future. These pages offer a glimpse into what the next generation of patriots imagines for this great country, through their own eyes.
Stars, Stripes & Splash
Tega Cay Celebrates 250 Years of America & 44 Years Strong
Get ready, Tega Cay — as our nation marks a monumental 250th birthday and our beloved city proudly celebrates 44 years since its incorporation, the community is rolling out three full days of patriotic festivities that promise thrills on the water, music under the Carolina sky, a grand parade through the heart of the city, and a fireworks finale that will light up the peninsula like never before.
July 2 — Flotilla Parade & Water Ski Spectacular
The festivities kick off on Lake Wylie at Niven’s Creek with the Flotilla Parade at 6:00 pm, with a procession of decorated boats floating to Windjammer Park by 6:45 pm, where participants will be officially announced to the crowd.
Immediately following the parade, the Carolina Show Ski Team will take to the water with high-energy performances featuring local and regional talent. From breathtaking aerial jumps and daring ramp launches to human pyramids, they’ll push the limits of what’s possible on the water. Please be aware there is limited parking on site.
July 3 — Uncle Sam Jam in Runde Park
Trade the lake for the lawn on July 3rd, when Runde Park transforms into the ultimate summer concert destination. Kick back under the Carolina sky and enjoy an evening of boot-stomping country music by the Laura Vinson Band. Local food trucks will be on hand with something for every appetite, and cold beer will be available for purchase. It’s the perfect low-key way to build up for the next day’s excitement.
July 4 — A Full Day of American Pride
Independence Day itself is packed from morning to midnight, and Tega Cay is pulling out all the stops.
The celebration begins bright and early with the “250 Years of American Heroes” Parade stepping off in front of City Hall at 9:00 am. Led by this year’s Grand Marshal, the parade will process down Tega Cay Drive in a moving tribute to the generations of men and women who have shaped our nation and our community. Flags flying, golf carts decorated, and neighbors cheering.
As the afternoon arrives, the Annual Lions Club Fish Fry fires up at 4:30 pm in the Glennon Center Ballroom — a beloved Tega Cay tradition that brings the community together over great food and great company. At 6:00 pm, Mayor Miller will take the podium for the Annual Mayor’s State of the City address, sharing updates and a vision for the year ahead, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.
Head outside at 9:00 pm, or as soon as darkness falls, and make your way to the golf club area by the Glennon Center for the annual “Boom in the Cay” fireworks extravaganza. This dazzling display of color, light, and sound is the perfect punctuation mark on an extraordinary 250th birthday celebration.
Plan Ahead & Stay Connected
With three days of events, there is a lot happening across the city. Parking details, event updates, and everything else you need to make the most of the festivities will be posted regularly on the City of Tega Cay’s official website and across the City’s social media outlets. Follow along so you don’t miss a moment of the fun.
