Fripp Island and July the 4th: A Perfect Match

Off the coast of South Carolina is a small, low country island oasis by the name of Fripp Island.

Children giggle as they chase seagulls off the beach, golf carts are presumed as the only transportation, and alligators, among other notorious island creatures, share the siX mile island with anyone who visits. My family has been coming to Fripp for about 16 years, and I’m sure we would all vouch for the notion that Fripp Island is the best place to celebrate July 4th.

When the 4th arrives, we’re up bright and early at 7am to grab a good seat for the golf cart parade (This isn’t a routine occurrence for our family). My mom and aunt pack ham biscuits for everyone, and my sister and I make sure everyone is loaded with coffee. The golf cart parade is an honored tradition, where families decorate their golf carts in patriotic decor, or the theme of the year. They drive the sparkly contraptions from one end of the island to the other, tossing candy and waving at their admirers. This is no joke for some families, as you can see from the winner a few years back.

The parade signals a domino effect for the rest of the day’s festivities. Screaming children’s faces are covered in snow cone juice at the carnival, elderly locals pass around cakes at the cake walk, and artists at the Art Show sell beautifully constructed images of crabs, sea turtles, and other oceanic critters. Once everyone runs home to pack their coolers and beach chairs, the afternoon events commence. A giant Beer Pong tournament occurs, as well as a sand castle building contest that could be sold as real art except for the tide rushing in to wipe it away.

As the daylight fades, my family heads back to our house before the fireworks. We ceremoniously light up the grill for the classic American tradition of burgers and hotdogs. We head out early, before the fireworks begin, to get a good spot. Golf Carts line a stretch of island to grab the best view. Boats bob over the ocean water, ready to light the magic. My family choruses Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” as we all huddle together in our little golf cart, looking up.

There are more benefits to celebrating Independence Day at Fripp Island than just fun activities. For one, there is minimal cell reception, so we’re able to pocket our smart phones and embrace family fun time. Also, since the island is so small, everyone who comes to Fripp is like family. We share our games on the beach and some times our food with friends we meet on the side of the road. After coming to Fripp Island for 16 years, we’ve met families from all over the US, and even outside of it. The best part of being on Fripp Island for the fourth is knowing each year is going to the best yet.