Lake Tobesofkee will host its 28th annual Sparks Over the Park Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2025. The event brings together families for a day of swimming, boating and fireworks.
All three Lake Tobesofkee parks will open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The parks include Claystone, Sandy Beach and Arrowhead.
Visitors can enjoy regular activities like swimming, boating, picnics and disc golf during the day. The Plum Tuckered band will perform live music from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sandy Beach Park. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.
Sandy Beach Park offers the best view of the fireworks show. People at Claystone Park should go to the west end of the beach to see the display.
“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.”
Park admission costs $3 per person. Children ages 6 and under enter free. No alcohol or glass containers are allowed in the parks.
Safety Rules for Boaters
Lake officials stress the importance of following safety rules during the busy holiday.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete a Department of Natural Resources-approved boating safety class to operate boats or personal watercraft.
All boat passengers must have Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices that fit properly and remain easily accessible. Children under 13 must wear personal flotation devices at all times on moving boats.
Children 13 and under must have adult supervision in swimming areas.
Boat operators age 16 and older must carry photo identification. All boats must display current registration.
Boaters can find safety handbooks at any Department of Natural Resources office or visit www.goboatgeorgia.com for more information.
How to Read and Understand The News
When reading news, remember:
- Truth doesn’t change because we dislike it
- Facts remain facts even when they make us uncomfortable
- Events happen whether we accept them or not
- Good reporting often challenges us
Before dismissing news that bothers you, ask:
- What evidence supports this story?
- Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
- What would change my mind?
- Am I “shooting the messenger” because I don’t like what is happening?
Smart news consumers seek truth, not just comfort.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
