Derik Vanderford|Daily Times The finale of Tuesday's Light Up the Lake celebration was a colorful fireworks display.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Face painting was one of several activities available to those at Tuesday's Light Up the Lake celebration.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times A giant flag reflects in the lake at Foster Park in celebration of Independence Day.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Couples dance to the sounds of the band Haze.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Ayona Smith, Zarria Smith and Jasmine Jones enjoy cake from Lockhart Power in celebration of the company's 100th anniversary.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Kenneth Blanton tosses a bean bag during a game of cornhole.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times One group of ladies enjoys line dancing during Tuesday's festivities.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times American flags of all sizes were distributed to those in attendance.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Tuesday's fireworks display lights up the lake at Foster Park.

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Derik Vanderford|Daily Times Families and friends enjoyed picnics before the fireworks display.

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“Light Up The Lake 2012” — a team effort by the Union County Recreation Department and the Union County Chamber of Commerce — proved to be a success on Tuesday in celebration of the Fourth of July.

People of all ages attended Tuesday’s festivities and enjoyed dancing to the music, playing a variety of games, face painting, several food vendors, picnics, the playgrounds and of course, a grand finale fireworks display.

In previous years, the celebration was called the Fourth of July Beach Blast, but organizers changed it this year to Light Up The Lake as part of putting more emphasis on families and the Fourth of July. That emphasis included additional activities for children as well as adults. As in years past, families were encouraged to bring picnic baskets with them to the park to spend time together dining, dancing, playing games as well as watching the fireworks that got underway at dark.

Union County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Torance Inman was one of those who attended Light Up The Lake. Inman said Wednesday that the event was a success and that the chamber is looking forward to collaborating with the recreation department to organize next year’s Fourth of July celebration.

“My hat’s off to county supervisor Tommy Sinclair and recreation department director Becky Cobb and their staffs for putting on a first class event,” Inman said. “The musical entertainment and the vendors did a great job in making this a pleasant event. Everyone seemed to extremely pleased and happy with the festivities including the super fireworks displays. The county and the recreation department did a really good job. We would all like to thank those who contributed financially to aiding the celebration.”