The exit interview Ron Loveridge is ending his - Riverside Magazine

holidays
‘twas the light before
Christmas
Historic Mission Inn is aglow with the spirit of the season
8 | riversidethemag.com | december 2012 - january 2013
Written by Luanne J. Hunt
Photo by Gabriel Luis Acosta
All is bright and beautiful in downtown riverside for the 20th annual
festival of lights at the Mission inn hotel & spa.
With nearly 4 million brilliant lights and more than 400 animated figures, the six-week
spectacular is one of the largest collections of Christmas lights in the nation.
this year’s festival promises some extra-special magic, says Kelly roberts, who co-founded the event
with her husband, duane, at their historic inn.
“We’ve added a lot of new and fun things, including the world’s largest mistletoe, which is 12 feet tall
by 8 feet wide,” said roberts, adding that once it’s set up they hope to have it listed in the guinness
book of World records. “We’re also going to have a special 12 days of Christmas holiday drink menu
and are offering some great hotel and spa packages,” she added.
duane roberts purchased the Mission inn in december 1992, and the couple consider the festival
of lights to be their Christmas gift to the community. duane’s inspiration for creating the event was
seeing holiday light displays with his family while growing up in riverside.
“i have to applaud my husband for making this event like a disneyland for everyone,” Kelly said.
“We’ve put a lot of time, labor and money into it, and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do.”
the festival annually attracts 250,000 visitors, and continues to grow each year. the first display
consisted of 250,000 lights and 50 animated characters — still an impressive display.
besides the spectacular lights, visitors may enjoy a stroll around the elaborately decorated Mission inn.
there also will be dickens-style carolers, live entertainment and nightly appearances
by santa Claus.
it all begins nov. 23 with a “switch-on” ceremony.
“after all these years, it’s still a thrill for duane when he turns on the
lights and looks out at the children’s faces filled with wide-eyed
wonder,” Kelly said. “he is so happy to be able to create
this experience for the kids and their families.”
Festival of Lights
the Mission inn hotel & spa, 3649 Mission inn ave., riverside
nov. 23-Jan. 5
800-843-7755, www.festivaloflightsca.com