Bentleyville returning to walk-through display

"We’ll be bringing Bentleyville back to it’s traditional roots of a walk through!"

It takes months of preparations to successfully pull off Bentleyville each year, and plans are already set and ready to go for this winter.

Speaking with founder today, Nathan Bentley says he’s excited to welcome visitors back to Duluth again, for the traditional light display we’ve come to know and love over the years.

"We’re gonna be bringing back all the traditional things — from marshmallows and the cookie house, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the fire pits," said Bentley. "Just trying to bring things back to somewhat normalcy down there."

The pandemic put a wrench in their plans last year, but the Bentleyville crew put their heads together and came up with the drive-through version. While it was innovative and still well-received by the community, Bentley says it’s time to get back to normal. And he hopes the outdoor setting will calm any nervs about COVID-19.

But in order to get the lights up and running, it’s gotta be all hands on deck.

"We’re gonna be looking for volunteers in great numbers, starting on the 25th of September here. We’re hoping the public will come down and embrace us. We work every Saturday and Sunday at Bayfront, no need to register just show up."

If you would like to help set up the Tour of Lights, volunteers are welcomed with open arms, and can expect full bellies when they leave, thanks to food being served. Setup begins on September 25th in Bayfront Festival Park, and will continue every weekend from 8:00am to 4:00pm.