28th Annual Sparks Over the Park Celebration returns to Lake Tobesofkee

Gates at Claystone, Sandy Beach and Arrowhead parks will open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Lake Tobesofkee will host its 28th annual Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4.

Gates at Claystone, Sandy Beach and Arrowhead parks will open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy a full day of activities, including swimming, boating, picnicking, disc golf and more.

Live music from The Plum Tuckered Band is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park. A fireworks show will follow at 9:15 p.m. Sandy Beach offers the best view of the fireworks. Those at Claystone Park can view the show from the west end of the beach.

Admission is $3 per person. Children ages 6 and under are admitted free. No alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.

“We’re expecting a huge crowd of people on the lake and beaches throughout the holiday,” Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell said. “It’s going to be a great day for our community to be at the lake, and we know people are going to have a great time enjoying the live music and show.”

Safety tips and rules

Rangers, the Department of Natural Resources, and emergency personnel will be on the water and in the parks throughout the day to help with any issues.

“I hope everyone follows all safety rules and tips by rangers and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office,” Bracewell said.

The following safety guidelines will be enforced:

• Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, must take a DNR-approved boating safety course to operate a boat or personal watercraft.

• All boats must be registered and carry proof of registration.

• Boat operators must have a photo ID on board and follow all boating laws.

• All passengers must have access to a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) that is in good condition and fits properly.

• Children under 13 must wear a PFD at all times on a moving vessel.

• Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult in designated swimming areas.

Boating safety handbooks are available at any DNR office. Additional information can be found at www.goboatgeorgia.com.

Officials recommend arriving early due to expected traffic and large crowds.

The annual event is one of Bibb County’s largest Independence Day celebrations, drawing families from across Central Georgia.