54th Annual Firing of the Cannons

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
Main Street Bandstand | Downtown Fort Mill

Join the Town of Fort Mill as we celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America during the 54th Annual Firing of the Cannons, one of Fort Mill’s most cherished Independence Day traditions.

This patriotic ceremony will feature special guests, historical presentations, patriotic music, and a ceremonial cannon firing honoring our nation’s founding and the community traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Event Highlights
• Fort Mill High School Band Fife and Drum Corps opening the ceremony
• Procession down Main Street with Fort Mill American Legion Post 43
• Special Musket Firing
• Remarks from Mayor Guynn Savage and Fort Mill Town Council
• Appearance by the South Carolina Strawberry Queens
• Patriotic music performed by the American Bombshells & Billy Foxx
• Reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge Aubrey, the youngest South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Historical presentation on the Firing of the Cannons tradition by Aydan Blackmon
• Ceremonial cannon firing conducted by the Short Family, who have proudly served as Fort Mill’s resident cannoneers for 53 of the event’s 54 years
• Complimentary Frios Pops provided by the Town of Fort Mill while supplies last

Bring your family and friends as we honor America’s 250th birthday and celebrate Fort Mill’s rich patriotic heritage through this longstanding community tradition.

Admission: Free

Location: Main Street Bandstand, Downtown Fort Mill

The Firing of the Cannons has been a beloved Fort Mill Independence Day tradition for more than five decades, with the Short Family leading the ceremonial firing for generations. As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, this special event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to reflect on our nation’s history, honor those who came before us, and celebrate the spirit of freedom and community that continues to unite us today.

Parking
Free public parking is available at:
• Town of Fort Mill Municipal Lot – Tom Hall Street
• Behind Downtown Merchants – Main Street
• Veterans Park – 106 N. White Street
• First Baptist Church – 121 Monroe White Street

Street Closures
For the safety of attendees, portions of the following streets will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 4:
• N./S. White Street
• Main Street
• Railroad Avenue
• Confederate Street

Safety & Accessibility
• Portions of Veterans Park will be blocked to the public
• Additional areas may be restricted due to the Firing of the Cannons
• Attendees should expect limited or no access to certain areas during the cannon firing for safety reasons
For the safety of all attendees, please follow all posted signage and instructions from Town staff, event personnel, and public safety officials at all times.

We look forward to celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and Fort Mill’s proud Independence Day tradition with you! 🎆