The city of Conyers will celebrate this July 4 with fun, fireworks and entertainment at the Fabulous Fourth Festival at the Georgia International Horse Park, presented by B98.5FM.

But this year, Conyers police are rolling out a new parking and exit plan for the thousands of visitors expected to attend the eighth annual celebration.

Police are expecting more attendees than last year. "We urge everyone to be patient, be cautious of pedestrian traffic and to follow the directions of police officers in the area," said CPD Capt. Scott Freeman.

The GIHP opens at 5 p.m., with the fireworks show starting at 9:45 p.m. and lasting until about 10 p.m.

This year, there will be no parking allowed on the median or by the side of the road, as has occurred in past years.

"Vehicles parked on the median or side of the roadway on Centennial Olympic Parkway will be towed," warned Freeman.

Once parking capacity is reached, additional vehicles will not be allowed in the park.

Electronic signs will help give updated information on parking conditions and instructions.

The main GIHP parking lots along Centennial Olympic Parkway will be used, and once those fill up, the Steeple Chase area down the road and the Glen will be opened up for parking. At that point, Centennial Olympic Parkway will be narrowed down to one lane, to provide room for pedestrians.

Costley Mill Road, where the fireworks will be launched, will be shut down at starting at noon.

At the end of the Festival, visitors in the orange and red lots will be directed out of the main gate (Gate C) and will be able turn right or left onto Centennial Olympic Parkway, but will not be able to make U-turns.

Visitors in the green parking lot, The Glen, and The Steeple Chase will be directed down Gees Mill Parkway heading south towards Sigman Road.

The eastbound lane of Centennial Olympic Parkway will be shut down at Keswick Village until the park clears.

Admission into the event and parking are free. Blankets and lawn chairs are allowed for prime fireworks-viewing. Coolers and pets are prohibited.

A patriotic program honoring the 10th Anniversary of the War on Terrorism will also take place on the stage at 7 p.m.

High-flying canines will compete at long distance jumps in the Ultimate Air Dog Show throughout the evening. The "Jump for Heroes" fundraising contest will allow guests to purchase tennis balls and throw them in the large pool. If the Ultimate Air Dog fetches your tennis ball, you win a $25 gift card to Ingles. Proceeds benefit the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial in Rockdale County.

Guests can also check out the Corvettes in the Park Car Show and Nostalgic Japanese Street Fighters Car Show.

Children can design their own patriotic brick at the Walk of Heroes booth in support of the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial, ride on the miniature outdoor railroad provided by the North Georgia Live Steamers, and meet Barney Fife and Gomer Pyle as the entertainment group Memories of Mayberry join the festivities.

For more information contact the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606 or visit www.conyersfabulousfourth.com.