Independence Day celebration, cookout proceeds will go to Fisher House fund

For the second consecutive summer, Rose Hill Estate will honor America and its Armed Forces with a day-long Fourth of July celebration.

This year's Fourth of July event will bring together various indigenous American musical styles - country, blues, Beach Music and gospel music - and will once again raise money to support the Aiken County Veterans Council's Fisher House fund. Admission is by donation.

Special guest speaker for the day will be retired U.S. Army Col. Ted Spain, former commander of the 10th U.S. Military Police Brigade in wartime Baghdad, Iraq.

While stationed in Iraq at the start of the ongoing war, Spain commanded a team of 4,000 MPs tasked to keep the peace in the violent region.

The day's entertainment will feature Rhonda McDaniel, the 2008 Carolina Beach Music Association's Best Female Vocalist and winner of the 2008 CBMA Award for Best Solo Album for her first self-titled CD. A resident of McCormick, McDaniel has scored three No. 1 hits on the Carolina Beach Music charts: "Falling," "Why Am I Crying?" and "Left With A Broken Heart."

Aiken native Mike Stewart will perform an "unplugged" set of his Lowcountry-flavored blues and Beach Music, including "Carolina's Calling Me Home," "Boiled Peanuts" and "The Doctor Is In."

He will be joined on-stage by guitarist "Shameless" Dave Bryan and harmonica player Dave Morgan.

For fans of country music, the Rose Hill celebration also will feature Gene Avey, winner of the 2008 International Country Music Association Modern Country Male Vocalist of the Year.

Avey, an Iowa native who now lives in Aiken, has shared the stage with such country music luminaries as Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, the Bellamy Brothers and others.

Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. with music starting at 2:45 p.m. A special Independence Day buffet will be available starting at 6 p.m. for as long as it lasts, as well as a cash bar and cash grill featuring hamburgers and hot dogs.

Buffet tickets may be purchased in advance for $12.95.

The menu will include baked ham, grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, rolls, iced tea and blueberry pie.

A tax-deductible contribution for admission can be made at Rose Hill in person or by phone at 648-1181, at the door, or from the Aiken County Veterans Council.

For further information on Fourth of July at Rose Hill Estate, call 648-1181.