BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — The City of Bluefield’s Holiday of Lights Festival, which has been hampered by unfavorable weather since early December, reopened to the public on Saturday.
The recent winter storm, which left ice and more than a foot of snow in parts of Mercer County, forced the closure of the outdoor exhibit for several days. Soon afterward, melting snow and rain caused flooding concerns. Additionally, there was storm-related damage to some of the decorations and wiring.
According to Bluefield City Manager Dane Rideout, the lights will be available for public viewing Sunday through Thursday, 6 pm to 9 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, 6 pm to 10 pm, concluding on New Year’s Eve.
Admission is free but donations for the operation and maintenance of the Holiday of Lights are accepted. The city also is accepting can food donations which will be taken to the Bluefield Union Mission.