It's shaping up to be a big Friday night in Dawson County, complete with a high school football rivalry game, much-anticipated fireworks show and a long holiday weekend.

Dawson County's Sparks in the Park, which was postponed due to rain in July, will follow the Dawson-Lumpkin football game Friday night.

"Friday Night Lights will take on a whole new meaning this week as we kick off the Labor Day weekend with Friday night football, fans [and] fireworks," said Lisa Henson, parks and recreation director.

Dawson will face the visiting Indians at Tiger Stadium on Perimeter Road. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

"We are glad we were able to get Lumpkin back on the schedule after an absence of a few years. There is something extra in the air with rival games, when neighbors square off," said Jute Wilson, principal of the high school.

"Both communities are extremely excited about the game Friday night. We are expecting a packed house and a great game."

The fireworks will follow the game between the old rivals and neighbors. The show can also be viewed from several locations nearby.

"Please remember, for those not attending the game, the fireworks will launch immediately following the football game around 10 p.m. and will be visible from Veterans Memorial Park, looking back towards the high school, Tiger Stadium and points along Hwy. 9 North," Henson said. "Launch time will vary slightly depending on when the game ends."

Although the July 3 plans for the event included food and novelty vendors, live entertainment and children's games, the contingency plans unfortunately did not allow for such activities.

The event will also officially kick off the Labor Day holiday weekend, the unofficial end of summer.

For more information, call Dawson County Parks and Recreation at (706) 344-3646.