RED BLUFF— A beloved annual tradition, American Legion Bluff Post 60, once again lit up the night sky over the waters of the Bluff for the Fourth of July this past Saturday. Adjutant for the American Legion, Gerald Locklear says most of the credit goes to their amazing caretaker Bill Pate, for organizing the event.
This year, Pate and Co.’s lightshow was tasked with carrying the patriotic fervor for the county, and event goers say American Legion Bluff Post 60 did not drop the ball!
Lasting all day, events kicked off at 7 a.m. with registration for the day’s fishing competition, followed by swimming, water slides, music, food, vendors, bouncy houses, and more, all leading up to the night’s featured event: the Clio area’s tenth annual fireworks show.
According to Locklear, the event took a brief hiatus in 2020 owing to COVID restrictions, but he is proud to report that the event has grown every year since its inaugural in 2016.
“The first year it was really more of a family affair. But word of mouth has us now seeing people in the neighborhood of 500 attending,” Locklear said, adding the Legion’s annual firework show is what first interested him in joining.
A steady crowd streamed in throughout the day, with totals possibly upwards of 500 despite the blazing heat, according to Locklear and Pate.
Winners for the fishing competition were awarded based on how many fish they caught, with cash prizes of $100 and $50 handed out to first and second place winners. This year’s top prize went to Cody Locklear and second place was claimed by Azali Morgan.
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, Locklear says the Legion teamed up with the Pee Dee Indian Tribe, making this event even more special.
“We were very excited to partner with the Pee Dee Indian Tribe for the nation’s 250th. The goal is to bring as many together as we can to come out, have fun, and celebrate the nation, so we decided to come together,” Locklear explained.
Another nod to the nation’s momentous anniversary, Locklear says Pate extended the fireworks show this year.
“Fireworks normally last 15 to 18 minutes and Pate doubled it this year,” Locklear praised.
An organizer and event goer for several years now himself, Locklear says a welcome departure from tradition for him was hiring James Albanese to cook for the event.
“Normally legion members cook and sale food for the event. Every year someone gets stuck in the kitchen and misses the fireworks, having someone else doing the cooking was a blessing and he did a phenomenal job,” Locklear said.
A favorite memory from the event for Locklear is having the swimming hole reopened at the Bluff.
“It has done my heart good seeing families taking advantage of the swimming hole these past few years. It is a favorite memory of mine because the swimming hole hasn’t been opened since my mother graduated from high school way back in 1968,” Locklear said.
While many contributed to supporting the event, Locklear said three organizations stand out.
“We would like to thank the Love Foundation, Marlboro County, and Sonny at the Village Grocery. They were our three biggest sponsors, but we thank each and every person who assisted in making this year another sucess. We could not do it without you,” he said.
Local resident Ashley Pate says she loves attending the special celebration every year.
“I love seeing the island packed with kids and the banks of the Bluff lined with families enjoying this event! The fireworks show was absolutely beautiful over the water. A huge ‘Thank you’ to everyone who made it happen,” Pate said.
Longtime attendee of the Bluff’s annual all day Fourth of July celebration, Garnett Goins says she and her family have a wonderful time every year they attend.
“The Bluff has so much history and the fireworks show is always amazing,” Goins says. She adds, “They had food and vendors— it was a great event.”
Many attendees flooded social media with praise for legion caretaker Pate following the holiday festivities, but Facebook user Tony Ray Ellis summed it up best when he commented, “Mr. Bill [Pate] has worked his butt off out there!”