We are so thrilled Lakefest is happening this year! There are some changes this year and one major change is our fireworks on July 17th!

We are excited to partner with a local company from South Boston this year! The Virginia Skypainters, now owned and led by Ryan Francisco, is well known for it’s outstanding fireworks displays. For over 8 years, the Virginia Skypainters has provided fireworks displays using both professional, and consumer grade fireworks, for events and occasions all over the state of Virginia, and North Carolina.  In 2017, Ryan founded his own fireworks company (Francisco Display Fireworks, LLC) which is a family owned and operated fireworks company located in South Boston, Virginia. Francisco Display Fireworks is now doing business as the Virginia Skypainters and is currently serving Virginia and North Carolina specializing in outdoor aerial displays consisting of shells and ground effects.

Earlier this year, Virginia Skypainters was announced as a winner of the 2021 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, an accolade representing the top wedding professionals across the board in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism reviewed by couples on WeddingWire.  Virginia Skypainters has received this award 7 times out of the last 8 years, and has withheld 5-star ratings with both Wedding Wire and The Knot.

Ryan is a Certified Pyrotechnician who is dedicated to the safe and responsible use of fireworks.  Ryan is licensed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is also a member of the Mid Atlantic Pyrotechnics Arts Guild, Pyrotechnics Guild International, and Crackerjacks. Ryan has performed in shows in Virginia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.