On Saturday, July 4, 2015, Macon-Bibb County will host the 21^st Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration at Lake Tobesofkee. All of the parks at Lake Tobesofkee will be open, there will be a live band, and the day will conclude with a fireworks show. This year’s event is sponsored, in part, by Central Georgia Marina, Central Georgia Power Sports, Cherokee Brick & Tile, the Tobesofkee Lake Store, Hogue & Hogue Law Firm, Advanced Disposal, and Hutchinson Auto Mall.

Claystone and Arrowhead Parks will open at 6:00 a.m., and Sandy Beach and the beaches will open at 9:00 a.m.  During the day, there will be normal activities such as swimming, boating, sunbathing, picnics, disc golf, volleyball, and more. The new Sandy Beach Water Park is scheduled to be open from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. At about 6:30 p.m., the Loose Skrews will begin playing at Sandy Beach, and the fireworks show will start about 9:15 p.m. Gates will close for anyone wanting to enter the parks at 8:00 p.m. Admission to the parks is $3.00 for every person over age six, and no alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.

“The Loose Skrews are proud and excited to again be playing at ‘Sparks Over the Park’ at Lake Tobesofkee,” says Mike Askew with the Loose Skrews. This will be the fifth year in a row they have performed at this event. “This is a great family event, and we want everyone to come out and enjoy the beaches, music, and fireworks.”

According to Tobesofkee Director Ben Hamrick, several thousand people are expected to be on the lake and beaches throughout the weekend, and he recommends following all safety rules and tips, and to follow instructions by Rangers and Sheriff Deputies. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rangers will patrol the lake with two of their boats, and the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department will have its rescue boat in the water to assist with any problems that may arise. In the parks and on the roads, Law Enforcement Rangers and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office will be on patrol.

Safety Tips & Rules

Anyone interested in boating laws can pick up a boating safety handbook at the Lake Tobesofkee office or any DNR office. People can also go on line to www.goboatgeorgia.com for more information.

· A new boating law went effect July 1, 2014, that requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must take a boating safety class approved by DNR in order to operate a personal water craft or boat, as well as other restrictions.

· All persons on a boat must have a PFD that is Coast Guard approved, in good condition, fits the person that intends to wear it, and is accessible at all time. 

· Kid under 13 must wear PFD’s (personal flotation device) at all time on board a moving vessel.

· Any person 16 or over who operates a boat on Georgia waters must have a picture ID on board.

· All boats must be registered and have registration on board.

· Operators must obey the rules of the road and be familiar with all boating laws.