Fireworks will celebrate Sardis Sesquicentennial

By John Howell
Saturday evening’s Sardis Sesquicentennial fireworks show should be visible from any location on the Sardis Upper Lake, Chamber of Commerce President Cris Fletcher said Thursday.
An elaborate fireworks show will originate from the thin peninsula that juts out into the reservoir waters near the Engineers Point Boat Ramp, and the colorful explosions in the night sky should be visible as reflections on the water’s surface.
“Most anywhere on the upper lake will have a good view,” Fletcher  said.
Spectators will be able to watch the fireworks from their vehicles parked atop the levee if they choose, according to Fletcher. They may park on the east side lane of the three-mile-long levee. Traffic will be routed one-way, from north to south along the top of the levee, starting at 5 p.m., Fletcher said. Spectators who approach from Highway 35 — the Batesville side — or from Blackjack will need to follow Highway 315’s lower route parallel to the levee and then drive to the top of the levee via the access at Elmer’s Hill entrance.
Sheriff’s deputies and Sardis police will be placed at strategic locations to direct the flow of traffic, Fletcher said.
Other viewing locations include Pats Bluff, Coles Point, Beach Point, John Kyle State Park where, “There’s a lot of beach around their right now,” the Sardis Chamber president said, as well as from boats in the lake. Fletcher said that boaters should remember to have their craft fully compliant with lights and other safety equipment.
Boat launching from Engineers Point will be closed at 5 p.m. Other boat launches will remain open as usual.
The Corps of Engineers will maintain a 200-yard safety radius for boats around the peninsula, Fletcher said.
Sesquicentennial Fireworks Show planning has include the Panola County Sheriff’s Department, the Sardis Police Department and the Sardis Lake Corps of Engineers.