The exit interview Ron Loveridge is ending his - Riverside Magazine

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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
The Mission Inn’s dazzling holiday light display sets downtown Riverside ablaze with light, but don’t forget to wander inside. The historic hotel brings out sumptuous seasonal décor inside too — including a beautifully appointed tree in the main lobby.
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The exit interview Ron Loveridge is ending his - Riverside Magazine

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