Lights Are on In Bentleyville

Where can you find Santa, Mrs. Clause, and all nine of Santa’s reindeer before Christmas? At Bentleyville in Bayfront! Light displays depicting Christmas scenes, representing religious holidays, and a playground for all the gingerbread children to play are just a few of the amazing spectacles there.

Bentleyville is run completely by volunteers who serve give up their time to serve hot chocolate and cookies, monitor the fire pits used to keep warm, dress up in holiday related costumes, and bring a smile to every face. At East, freshman Marissa Stoneburner volunteers as one of Santa’s reindeer. “This is my first year volunteering but it’s a lot of fun. Everybody should really consider helping out at Bentleyville,” said freshman Marissa Stoneburner.

Visitors to Bentleyville first walk under a huge archway inscribed with the words “Dashing Through the Snow,” and then can travel along the pathway lined with lights. Tunnels of lights appear at random intervals between great light displays. There are igloo homes set up amidst a sea of seals, a playground with gingerbread children who jump rope, play ball, and soar on swing sets, a field devoted to the twelve days of Christmas, and a few religious representations.

Many families make it a tradition to come and enjoy the show during the holiday season and many people get together with friends to struggle through the cold and take in the explosion of colored lights.

“I go to Bentleyville with friends every year because it is so beautiful , creative, and its free,” said sophomore Raiya Norlander.

Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a non- profit corporation that puts on the enormous display at no cost to viewers. There is a free train that shuttles visitors from their parking to the site and back, and hot cocoa, cookies, and marshmallows offered.

There is even one place during the tour where citizens of Duluth can connect; Enger Tower, located in Duluth, is represented in lights.

Many people take pleasure in touring Bentleyville each year because of the warmth of the volunteers and the incredible displays.

“Bentleyville is so impressive because it is so extensive, it’s not just a little light decoration, but it has huge displays and goes on for a long while,” said junior Delanie Swafford.

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