Lake Sara Fireworks Plans Announced

The Friends of Lake Sara are sponsoring the 38th Annual Lake Sara Fireworks on Wednesday, July 3.

The fireworks will begin promptly at 9:15 pm. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 6.

The best way to see the fireworks is from a boat on beautiful Lake Sara. Terry Trueblood, Commander of the Effingham County Dive and Rescue Team, shares the following tips for safe water viewing:

* Check out your boat’s navigation lights BEFORE July 3. Your boat must have a white light (stern), and red and green lights (forward).

* Be sure your battery is good and fully charged

* Follow the post-dusk speed limit of 10 mph

* Ensure that you have a life jacket for each passenger and that everyone under the age of 13 is wearing their life jacket

* Avoid overloading your boat * Designate a driver if you plan to have alcohol on your boat * Respect the safety perimeter that the Effingham Water Authority (EWA) and Dive Team boats will be patrolling.

Note: Both EWA and DNR police will be patrolling the waters before, during and after the fireworks.

To observe the fireworks from land, come to the Lake Sara Beach at the end of Beach Road. To avoid traffic congestion and to keep a safety corridor, there will be no parking allowed on either Beach Road or Moccasin Road. The entrance will be closed promptly at 9:00 pm, so get there early. There is plenty of parking available near the beach. You are also welcome to view from your car.

Following the fireworks, please be patient as the parking lots are emptied in an orderly fashion. Be prepared to follow designated routes. All traffic leaving the beach area will go north on Beach Rd in a single lane. At the intersection of Beach Rd and 1600th Ave (Moccasin Rd) motorists will have the choice of going west or east. Traffic going east on 1600th Ave towards 1000th St (Lake Sara Rd) will turn left to get to State Highway 32/33.

The Lake Sara Fireworks are the largest single day event held in Effingham County each year. This event is paid for solely by private and business donations. You can send donations to Lake Sara Fireworks Fund, Attn: Randy Thoele, 14660 N 6th Ave, Effingham, IL 62401. All contributions are appreciated.