“Lots of people strolling through and letting us know that this is a family tradition for them. That they’ve made memories here,” said executive director and founder of Bentleyville, Nathan Bentley.

After thirty-seven nights of holiday light, Bentleyville celebrated its final night of holiday cheer with the public before unplugging for 2024.

Bentley says the traditions formed at Bentleyville are what truly brings joy to the Tour of Lights.

“They came to Bentleyville when they were young. And now they’ve got spouses and children, so they’ve made it a tradition for them lasting from when they were young to now being parents themselves. So, it’s always fun to hear those stories when they walk through,” said Bentley.

And the warm weather drew many out of their homes for the closing day celebrations.

“It’s perfect night, especially for the fireworks. I mean, that’s probably why there’s so many people here,” said Vanessa Hawkins, visiting with her friends.

Families and friends came out to celebrate the bright lights, warm hot chocolate, and sugary cookies surrounded by loved ones….

“Our daughters are now in their 20s. And now they have boyfriends and soon-to-be husbands. And the tradition will continue,” said Greg, who came from Chanhassen with his wife Roxann.

As the night comes to a close with a round of fireworks, Bentleyville powers down on another successful season, transitioning to a new phase of the project, cleanup.

“Well with all good things they come to an end. So, it’s always a good feeling to know that things went off without too much of a hitch. But now tomorrow starts off with a big day of taking everything down and getting it put away,” said Bentley.

Workers and volunteers spend all year preparing for the next season of the Tour of Lights, making sure every bit and bulb is perfect.

“We start prepping as soon as the last semi-trailer pulls out of Bayfront Park. We are already preparing for the next season. There’s so much that goes on during off season that the public doesn’t maybe realize or know what’s going on, but to put it on an event this size it goes year-round planning and purchasing and meetings and lots and lots of planning and figuring out what’s going to go on for next year and where we can make improvements,” said Bentley.