Festival of Lights

This year over 40,000 people gathered on the streets surrounding The Mission Inn on the day after Thanksgiving,  November 23rd,  to welcome in the Christmas season with the glow of over a three million lights. This annual Festival of Lights “switch on” ceremony began after nightfall and featured opening remarks and a warm welcome from Cindy Roth, President and CEO of the Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Mayor Ron Loveridge was on hand to welcome Riversiders to this bright event, as well as Santa Claus! Keeper of the Inn, Duane Roberts, explained the origins of the Festival of Lights and outlined how this is not only a signature event for the City of Riverside, but has gained national recognition as well! Students from local schools were also awarded for a coloring contest with a very stuffed stocking! Then, with a collective count-down from 10 to 1, Roberts and troupe pushed the button and the festivities began! It was an orchestra in the sky when fireworks from above the Mission Inn dazzled the audience as holiday  music played in sync. At the culmination of the fireworks display, all three million lights on the Mission Inn came to life and illuminated the streets of Downtown Riverside. It was truly a sight to see... and you can still see it! From November 23rd until after Christmas, the lights on the Mission Inn hotel shall be lit nightly for all to enjoy! And don't forget Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful's contribution. On the night of the Festival of Lights, KRCB hosted information booths, recruited volunteers from Teen Challenge to maintain a litter-free event, distributed event programs, and even helped Santa Clause to visit with all of the children! Thank you to all who came together to make this event another wonderful, litter-free night in Downtown Riverside!