Lake Tobesofkee staff prepares for packed park, concert and fireworks

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Lake Tobesofkee is the place to be in Macon this 4th of July, and park staff say they’re expecting it to be packed this year. Staff members and volunteers say they started seeing people around 6:00 in the morning so, they had to be up pretty early themselves to prepare for the thousands they’re expecting.

“The crowds started coming early so we’re hoping to have a big day today,” said Lake Director Donald Bracewell.

Macon-Bibb’s 23rd annual ‘Sparks Over the Park’ Independence Day celebration is in full swing and this year they’re expecting thousands.

“We’ve actually been working on this for a few weeks now…just trying to keep everything organized…organizing our parking, volunteers.”

But, Bracewell says the best is yet to come. Rangers and recreation staff spent all morning prepping for their two main attractions this year.

“The Loose Skrews Band will perform at Sandy Beach Park’s lower pavilion at 6:00 P.M. They’ll play from 6:00 to 9:00 and the fireworks will start at 9:15,” he said.

Traffic and crowd control were some of their biggest concerns, but Ranger Michelle Hill says they have the large influx of people all figured out.

“We do make sure that we’ve got our parking marked off and make sure we can park them safely and everyone can get out of here safely.”

Though they arrived around 5:00 A.M. to set up, they say it’s all worth it to see people smile.

“At the end of the day we will be tired, but it’s for the community,” Bracewell added.

Gates to the park will close at 8:00 P.M. So, If you haven’t made it over there you’ve still got a little time. Admission is $3.00 for people over the age of six. No alcohol or glass containers are permitted in the park.