The famed “Festival of Lights” returned to downtown Riverside Saturday, featuring millions of lights, holiday displays, carnival rides, caroling, Santa Claus and other entertainment on the pedestrian mall — available to the last day of the year.
Like last year, this year’s fest begins the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. The switch-on ceremony was scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Saturday, presided over by representatives from the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, members of the Riverside City Council and other guests.
This year’s switch-on will bear a bit of moroseness due to the absence of fest founder and longtime Mission Inn owner Duane Roberts, who passed away on Nov. 1 at 88. It’s likely his widow, Kelly Roberts, who has served as the Mission Inn’s chief operating officer for many years, was set to be at the main podium. It’s unknown whether a formal remembrance ceremony will be held just ahead of the celebration…