RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The city’s renowned Festival of Lights, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, kicked off Friday evening with a spectacular fireworks display, military flyovers and a special concert.

The event draws people from all over Southern California to the corner of Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue, in the shadow of the historic hotel.

“The Festival of Lights is an honored tradition for generations of Riversiders,” Mayor Rusty Bailey said.

More than 500,000 people visit Riverside during the six-week festival to view the historic Mission Inn swathed in more than 5 million holidays lights, filled with 400 animatronic figures and cheered with holiday music. More than 75,000 people attend the annual switch-on ceremony, held each year on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving.

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Festival of Lights, Riverside is honoring Duane and Kelly Roberts, keepers of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, by entering a float in the 2018 Rose Parade.

Story Date: January 7, 2018