Warner Robins releases parking, traffic plans for Independence Day celebration

Gates open at 6 p.m., with entertainment beginning with AJ the DJ.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The City of Warner Robins has released parking, traffic and safety information ahead of its 43rd Annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, at McConnell-Talbert Stadium.

Gates open at 6 p.m., with entertainment beginning with AJ the DJ. The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:40 p.m., followed by a fireworks display around 10:30 p.m. All times are approximate and subject to change based on weather conditions.

Traffic changes

Several road closures and traffic changes will be in effect throughout the day:

• Noon: Demon Valley Drive becomes a no-parking zone.
• 6 p.m.: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from South Davis Drive to Pearl Stephens Way, will be restricted to eastbound traffic only. Drivers should enter the venue area from South Davis Drive.
• 6:45 p.m.: South Davis Drive, from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Demon Valley Drive, will close to all vehicle traffic. Detours will be in place. Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians until the fireworks display begins.
• 10 p.m.: Demon Valley Drive will close for the duration of the fireworks show.

Parking and shuttle service

Ten designated parking areas will be available for attendees:

• Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church (grassy area)
• C.B. Watson Primary School (ADA parking only)
• Warner Robins High School (pick-up/drop-off and Uber/Lyft location)
• Pearl Stephens Elementary School
• Rumble Academy
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church Complex
• Robins Financial Credit Union
• Middle Georgia State University
• Commercial Circle area
• City of Warner Robins Municipal Complex

A complimentary shuttle service will operate from Middle Georgia State University from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. to help reduce traffic congestion. Shuttle service will not be available after the event.

Entry and prohibited items

Public entry to the celebration will be available from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Davis Drive.

Officials say all bags and personal items will be searched, and attendees may be subject to additional screening before entering the venue.

Prohibited items include:

• Firearms and other weapons
• Drones
• Alcohol
• Fireworks and sparklers
• Glass containers
• Rolling and hard-sided coolers
• Outside food and open drinks
• Pets, except service animals
• Smoking devices, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and vapes
• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Tents
• Flammable liquids
• Large umbrellas

Allowed items include:

• Folding or bag-style outdoor chairs
• Picnic blankets
• Small personal umbrellas
• Small soft-sided coolers
• Small diaper bags
• Sealed, unopened bottles of water
• Baby formula and infant supplies
• Medically necessary items
• Strollers and standard child wagons
• Small personal items
• Clear bags

Officials also remind attendees that reusable drink containers, including tumblers and Stanley cups, must be completely empty before entering the venue.

The City of Warner Robins and the Warner Robins Police Department encourage attendees to plan ahead, arrive early and allow extra time for parking and security screening.