Lake Martin Magazine

Russell Lands holds its annual Hula Hoop Contest during its Fourth of July Blast and fireworks show.

Officials at Russell Lands wanted to wow the crowd at its 10th annual Fourth of July Blast Concert and Fireworks Show.

They succeeded.

Two of Lake Martin’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions will celebrate big anniversaries this year.

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of Russell Marine’s Fourth of July Boat Parade and the 10th anniversary of the Russell Lands’ Fourth of July Blast, which includes a concert and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast.

Most people who have driven out into the Kowaliga Basin to watch the Independence Day fireworks agree it’s one of the year’s most memorable nights on Lake Martin. The Russell Lands fireworks show at the Lake Martin Amphitheater, considered one of the best in the Southeastern U.S., is undeniably spectacular, and it appears doubly so when you’re floating in water that reflects all the brilliant bursts of light flashing overhead.