Macon plans July 4 fireworks show; most Middle GA celebrations nixed due to COVID-19

Bibb County’s annual “Sparks over the Park Independence Day Celebration” is still a go this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gates to parks around Lake Tobesofkee will open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., with a fireworks show scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m., according to a press release. The swim area will close at 7 p.m. to allow swimmers to exit the lake prior to the show.

Claystone and Sandy Beach Parks are the best locations to view the fireworks show. Entrance to the parks will cost $3 per person, although children ages 6 years and under can be brought in for free. Cash only will be accepted, and no alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.

Swimming, boating, sunbathing, picnics, disc golf, volleyball and other activities will be available. The Travis Bryant Band will perform from 6-9 p.m. at the Sandy Beach Park Pavilion.

While not mandated, Lake Tobesofkee Director Don Bracewell said visitors are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing. Additionally:

• A new boating law went effect July 1, 2014, that requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1998 to take a boating safety class approved by DNR in order to operate a personal watercraft or boat.
• All persons on a boat must have a personal flotation device (PFD) that is Coast Guard-approved, in good condition, fits the person who intends to wear it, and is accessible at all times.
• Children under 13 must wear PFDs at all time on board a moving vessel.
• Any person 16 years old or older 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.

All Bibb County offices and courts will close on July 3 in honor of the July 4 holiday, which falls on a Saturday this year. The fire department, sheriff’s office, 911 and Emergency Management Agency will remain operation, according to a city press release.

The solid waste and recycling pickup schedule will not change.

Perry drive-in show

A “drive-in” fireworks show is slated for July 25 in Perry at the Georgia National Fairgrounds from 8:30-10 p.m. Organized by the Perry Chamber of Commerce, parking will open at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. The Perry Chamber is requesting that attendees not arrive before 8:30 p.m. and enter the fairgrounds through the North Gate.

Canceled celebrations

• In April, Warner Robins canceled its annual Fourth of July celebration. “This was a difficult decision that was made in the interests of preventing the spread of this disease and protecting our citizens, our city, and our state,” read a city of Warner Robins news release. “We thank our citizens, sponsors, and community partners for their continued support and participation in this annual event.
• The Dublin-Lauren’s County Recreation Authority canceled its annual July 4 Fireworks celebration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The City of Milledgeville canceled its annual celebration because of the pandemic.
• The Lane Southern Orchards July 4 event has also been canceled

Fireworks laws

According to Bibb County’s municipal code, fireworks can be detonated within county limits on July 3 and 4 between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Residents have to follow state laws restricting the types of fireworks that can be set off.