Photo by Shelley Hanson People gather at Heritage Port to enjoy Fourth of July festivities Sunday evening, which included a free concert by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display.
WHEELING — After a year of staying in and staying away from others because of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting to enjoy a Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks display was a real treat for hundreds of people on the Fourth of July.
Wheeling residents Bernie and Kim Lombard, daughter Bella Lombard, 9, and aunt Lea Marshall, were eagerly awaiting the show while sitting on a wall eating treats at Heritage Port.
Marshall described the occasion as “lovely.”
“It’s nice to see people just come out and enjoy life again,” Marshall said.
Bella, who was dressed in festive red, white and blue attire, said her favorite part of the evening would be the fireworks display. She noted she was also happy she didn’t have to wear a “stinky mask” anymore.
Bernie Lombard said he also was happy to see people out again “and the economy moving again.”
Kim Lombard said she, too, was glad to see people attending the show.
“I’m happy to see people out and everyone enjoying themselves. I’m glad to be socializing again,” she said.
Benwood resident Raleigh Wilson said he was looking forward to hearing the symphony perform as he missed not being able to do so last Fourth of July. Last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
“It’s a delight to get out without a mask,” Wilson added.
Wheeling resident Cindy Prasick said she, too, loves hearing the symphony play.
“It’s nice to be here and we missed it last year,” she said, adding the city is lucky to have the symphony.
Wheeling native Courtney Westerberg was attending the event with her mother, Judy Braunlich of Wheeling, and her daughters Savannah Westerberg, 2, and Shannon Westerberg, 9. She noted her brother, Bryan Braunlich, is executive director of the symphony.
Westerberg lives near San Jose, California, and comes back to Wheeling each summer to visit.
“It’s nice to be back and have that hometown feeling,” she said.
Braunlich noted she was excited to be able to attend the concert and fireworks with other people.
Food vendor Dwight Jenewein of Bellaire was busy serving gyros from his mobile stand at the port. In addition to Wheeling’s fireworks display he’s been working other events as well this summer.
“It’s great after last year’s nonsense,” Jenewein said of his current business and last year’s pandemic.
Prior to the concert and fireworks display people could enjoy dinner from one of a few vendors at the site serving dishes such as pizza, gyros, barbecue, ice cream, fries, lemonade and more on Water Street.
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