Capital City/Lake Murray Country is gearing up for its major fundraiser exclusively benefiting the annual fireworks event at the reservoir.

The 18th annual Taste of Lake Murray will be the “biggest one” yet, according to Vickie Davis, the regional tourism board’s vice president of special events and marketing.

In addition to 20 vendors serving samples of food, the event will feature spirits from Batesburg-Leesville’s own Hollow Creek Distillery and Total Wine & More.

In addition to inside vendors, there will be food trucks outside the hotel. 

The band Prettier than Matt will play outside, and the Swinging Medallions will be on stage inside the venue. In addition to the two bands, Davis said there will be a 360-degree-rotating photo booth along with a silent auction and raffles. 

This is the only fundraiser for the annual Lake Murray fireworks celebration, which has two launching spots at the lake. This year’s celebration is set for July 1.

The July Fourth celebration was started by Capital City/Lake Murray Country CEO Miriam Atria 35 years ago, Davis said. The group promotes the Lake Murray region of the county, which includes four counties, one of which is Lexington County.