Organizers are hoping the rain holds off long enough to celebrate tonight's Dawson Day Sparks in the Park fireworks extravaganza.

The festivities at Rock Creek Park are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dark.

Dawson County Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Henson said a decision to postpone the event will be made by noon, if the weather warrants.

"That's the latest time we can cancel the fireworks and the children's activities. We just want to give everyone some warning this year if we end up having to postpone the event," she said.

In the event rain cancels the festivities, Henson said the county will re-schedule a fireworks show for Aug. 30 to kick-off the long Labor Day holiday weekend.

"We looked at rescheduling for later this week, but the forecast is about the same for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday," she said.

The National Weather Service is predicting an 80 percent chance of rain on Wednesday evening, followed by 70 percent on Independence Day and 50 percent Friday.

"Having the fireworks on Aug. 30, we'll have it out in front of the Labor Day holiday, so if people have plans, they'll still be able to come to the fireworks show before they head out of town," she said.

Ideally, the rain won't be a problem and the festivities will go on tonight as planned.

Presented by the Dawson County Board of Commissioners and Dawson Community News, the family affair offers a carnival-like atmosphere, with activities including a dance contest, face painting, inflatable slides and a rock climbing wall. There is also a dunk tank and live music.

Admission for the event is free, though children's activities, souvenirs and concessions are available for purchase.

While guests can expect to find a wide range of treats, including cotton candy, popcorn, boiled peanuts, hamburgers and barbecue, and picnics are welcome, no alcohol is allowed on park grounds or outside parking areas.

Free parking is available at Rock Creek Park, as well as Riverview Elementary and Riverview Middle schools with free shuttle service to and from the event.

Overflow parking in the fields off Hwy. 9 will not be accessible if rain continues to fall leading up to the event.

Those not attending the event are encouraged to avoid the area from 5 to 11 p.m.

The public is encouraged to go to dawsonnews.com for weather-related announcements regarding Sparks in the Park.