RIVERSIDE, Calif. (CNS) -- The famed "Festival of Lights" will return 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 is 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 offic

See Full Page