Thousands tour the Avenue of Lights
The Orland night sky sparkled with a bright full moon and about 2 million lights this weekend at the fifth annual Avenue of Lights at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.
Nearly 1,500 vehicles made the tour as of Monday night, and there was one night left.
The Avenue of Lights and the North Pole Lodge provide a time for family and friends to gather and share some Christmas cheer.
Pat Burkhart, who was accompanied by her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, said of the evening, “It was magnificent. It’s a wonderful experience.”
Unlike many other cities and towns, where people drive around in specified areas to see house decorations, in Orland light displays and decorations are built at the fairgrounds and people drive through a designated route.
Among the favorite places to stop for photos, a live nativity scene included a cow and three calves, a donkey, sheep and goats. and students from the Stony Creek and Orland 4H clubs.
Courtney Berman, 11, who played a Wise Man, took care of Eeyore the donkey.
Even though it was cold Friday when Stony Creek 4H members made the manger scene lively, Courtney said, “this is fun.”
Other nativity characters also said they were having a good time and enjoyed being part of the scene.
Alexa Woodward, 12, started out playing a shepard, then changed places with an angel. She said she likes switching roles because “when I’m angel I play my violin.”
Though the drive-through viewing of the Christmas light displays began Friday night, setting up the elaborate designs began the week before Thanksgiving. Carolyn Denton, who co-chairs Avenue of Lights with Olga Peterson, said it takes two 28-foot trailers, two 40-foot containers and two carports to store everything on display.
Most displays are handmade, often cut wood or bent and welded metal covered with Christmas lights. Some decorations, such as the vintage street-light ornaments that hung in the livestock barn, are purchased at thrift or discount stores, Denton said.
Other items are donated or sold at deep discounts by local and regional merchants such as Orland Hardware, Orchard Supply and Corning Lumber or by national chains such as Costco, she added.
While a few local businesses put their creativity to work building scenes for the Avenue, a few individuals and families also contribute.
Many displays, however, are designed and manufactured by inmates at the Salt Creek Conservation Camp, the Dentons said. The inmates, along with many other volunteers, also spend days helping set up the displays and hooking up the lights.
At the end of the Avenue, visitors get to enjoy more decorations in the North Pole Lodge - the Arts and Crafts Building.
Inside warm drinks and food accompany the many beautifully decorated trees. Designers include local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, families and individuals.
And back in the corner, Santa waits to hear what little children want under the Christmas tree.
Peterson, who coordinates the inside, and Carolyn Dayton, who takes care of the outside, both thanked the many volunteers who help make the event a success.
“More volunteers are always welcome,” Carolyn Dayton said.
For information or to volunteer, call 893-9218 or 865-4590.
