Dawson Day Sparks in the Park traffic advisory
The stretch of Hwy. 9 South between Thompson and Dawson Forest roads will be closed from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday to allow vehicles to exit the Dawson Day Sparks in the Park fireworks display at Rock Creek Park.
Southbound motorists will detour at Thompson Road. Oversized vehicles should plan to use Hwy. 53 as an alternate route.
At the event's conclusion, all event traffic must exit the park on Martin Road and may only turn left onto Hwy. 9.
Thompson Road will be open and available as an alternate route to Hwy. 53 East and Ga. 400.
All traffic leaving offsite parking areas must exit southbound onto Hwy. 9.
Travelers not attending the event are encouraged to avoid the area entirely between 5 and 11 p.m.
Red, white and blue sparks will soar over Rock Creek Park on Saturday night when Dawson County kicks off the Independence Day weekend with a fireworks extravaganza.
Presented by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and Dawson Community News, Dawson Day Sparks in the Park begins at 5 p.m. with activities for the entire family.
"This is one of the most exciting events that's held here in the county each year," said County Manager Kevin Tanner. "It's an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our independence, and for the community to come out and share a day of fun events."
With a carnival-like atmosphere set to music by Atlanta rockers Rampage, activities include a dance contest, face painting, inflatable slides and a rock climbing wall, among others.
There's also rumor that a few local celebrities, including a rising NASCAR star, will be in a dunk tank for those who'd like to see them take the plunge.
Also expect to find a wide range of concessions from cotton candy, popcorn and boiled peanuts, to everything from burgers to barbecue.
Or plan to bring your own. Picnics are also welcome. No alcohol is allowed on park grounds or outside parking areas.
Now in its third year at Rock Creek Park, the fireworks display, that will start about 9:45 p.m. and last nearly 20 minutes, promises to be one of the most extravagant in north Georgia.
Admission is free. Children's activities, souvenirs and concessions are available for purchase.
"We are very proud to sponsor and be a part of such a wonderful family event for Dawson County," said Stephanie Griffin, editor of the Dawson Community News.
Free parking is available at Rock Creek Park and on lots adjacent to the park, if weather permits. Handicap accessible parking will be on the park grounds.
Additional free parking is available at River Park Canoe Launch, Riverview Middle School and Riverview Elementary School, with free shuttle service to and from the event.
Those not attending the event are encouraged to avoid the area from 5 to 11 p.m.