Lake Tobesofkee will host its 27th Annual Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration on Tuesday July 4, 2023. Gates at all Lake Tobesofkee parks (Claystone, Sandy Beach, and Arrowhead) will open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m. The entrance gates will close at 8:00 p.m. due to safety precautions.  

During the day, there will be normal activities such as swimming, boating, picnics, disc golf, and more. Live music with The Rescue Dogs is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park, and the fireworks show will start at 9:15 p.m. The park with the best view of the fireworks is Sandy Beach. To see the fireworks from Claystone, you must go to the west end of the beach.  

Admission to the parks is $3.00 per person, and children ages six and under are 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,” says Lake Tobesofkee Director Donald Bracewell. “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 & RULES  

Anyone interested in boating laws can pick up a boating safety handbook at any DNR office. People can also go online to www.goboatgeorgia.com for more information.   

“I hope everyone follows all safety rules and tips by Rangers and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Rangers, the Department of Natural Resources, and other emergency personnel will be on the water and in the parks to assist with any problems that may arise,” says Bracewell.  

As of July 1, 2014, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must take a boating safety class approved by DNR to operate a personal watercraft or boat, as well as other restrictions. 

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

Children under 13 must always wear a PFD (personal flotation device) on a moving vessel.  

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

All boats must be registered and have registration on board. Operators must obey rules of the road and be familiar with all boating laws.