Photo by Casey Junkins Pyrotechnics illuminate the night sky over Schenk Lake Friday at Oglebay Park’s annual fireworks display.

WHEELING — New Martinsville residents Sean and Lisa Yoho had never before witnessed the Oglebay Independence Day celebration fireworks, but they knew they were going to be in for quite the show Friday. “I’m pumped for this,” Sean Yoho said prior to the explosion of fireworks at Schenk Lake that ran in conjunction with the Patriotic Fountain Show. Though it was only July 3, the Yohos joined hundreds of other fireworks fans for the lakeside celebration that filled the skies over Oglebay Park with a medley of vivid blues, reds, yellows and several other colors. The Yohos’ children, McKinlee, Faith and Isabella, also enjoyed the show. “I love to see the purple fireworks,” Faith Yoho said. Sitting alongside the Yohos were Allison Raper and her daughter, Carlee Sweeney, of Paden City. “This is a very good event. We have been here for the (Winter) Festival of Lights, but this is our first time for these fireworks,” Raper said. As the professional pyrotechnics were in motion, many children and even some adults decided to try their hands with sparklers and other small devices. A long-time fan of the show at the lakeside Friday was St. Clairsville resident Dion Saffell. “This is a really beautiful park, and the fireworks are really nice,” he said. Saffell also said he and his family enjoy the ambiance of the event. “There is such a great family atmosphere here, and everyone always has a really great time,” he said.