Gearing up for Bentleyville’s 21st year of lights
Bentleyville opens on Saturday, November 23rd at 5PM
Bentleyville is racing into the final stretch before the opening of their 21st season.
“We’ve been here for the last seven weeks, came here the last part of September. And it’s been a great setup season with great weather, fantastic volunteers that have been down here each weekend and Wednesday nights. And now it’s showtime. So, we’re all excited for our volunteers to come back and help us put on a great show for the next 38 nights,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director of Bentleyville.
Bentley began the tour of lights in his backyard in 2001, and fifteen years ago brought the attraction to Canal Park.
This year, Bentley has made a few changes which will bring excitement to even the most seasoned Bentleyville goers.
“One of the most notable changes here this year at Bentleyville is that the 128-foot tree has been 100% renovated,” said Bentley.
The tree, built by local Ironworkers 512, has been transformed to use RGB lighting, which can display a wide variety of colors and animations.
“We had wonderful volunteers putting all new RGB lighting on chicken wire throughout about a two-and-a-half-month process. And then this tree was stripped with all the old lights on it and all the new lights were put on, which again gives us brand new technology to do so many new things that you might see in Las Vegas or other high-profile places,” said Bentley.
A Christmas icon is also getting its chance in the spotlight this year, to honor sixty-years of lighting up the hearts of many.
“It’s also celebrating the 60th anniversary of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer that every one of our viewers has watched at one time or another on the television as they grew up. So, we’re celebrating our 60th year of that down here with a very large light display of the entire story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” said Bentley.
And when the tree counts down to opening night, volunteers at Bentleyville are ready to bring holiday joy to everyone who strolls through the lights.
Bentleyville opens to the public on Saturday, November 23rd, with Santa and Mrs. Clause making their grand entrance at 4:50PM and doors open at 5PM.
Click here for more information on Bentleyville’s upcoming events.