SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Some people got their seats ready early Saturday for the fireworks display at Island Park.
"They are the best display around," Dave Neiswender, Minersville, said.
The fireworks were part of the 10th annual Family Fun Night sponsored by the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Department. There were plenty of games, music, food and activities during the day to keep people busy until the fireworks went off at 9:30 p.m.
"We come for the good food and fireworks," Bobbie Neiswender, Minersville, said.
B.J. Folk, borough recreation director, said the annual event usually sees about 3,000 throughout the day.
"It's free, it's pet friendly," Folk said. "Basically, it's a fun day for the family to come out and enjoy Schuylkill Haven."
The band Shotgunn returned to the event this year for a live performance. They were also joined by Julia "Jules" Sippel, Schuylkill Haven, who performed with a ukulele.
"We wanted to give new talent in the area a chance to perform," Folk said.
Sippel said she was introduced to the ukulele by a friend.
"My friend started playing it, and she just kind of got me hooked," she said.
Sippel was a member of the band, choir and drama club when she was in high school, but Saturday was her first solo performance.
Robin Fessler, Cressona, enjoyed the day with her grandchildren at the Island.
"We come up every year," she said. "It's a whole day of stuff to do."
Members of the New Era Wrestling Federation were also at the event signing autographs and selling tickets to its next show on Aug. 16. The professional wrestling company is based in the borough and has regular shows at the Senior Citizens Community Center.
"This is a big event," Mike Zimmerman, company owner, also known as "Mike Marvel," said.
The organization puts on a show each year to raise money for the fireworks, which are paid for through donations.
"Schuylkill Haven gave us a home, and we wanted to help give back," Zimmerman said.
Last year, NEWF put on a live show at the event. Plans changed last minute this time around, but the crowd was still able to meet the wrestlers Saturday and soak a few of them in the dunk tank.
"They loved it and wanted us to come back, and we will be back next year," Zimmerman said.
