While driving along Alfred Harrell Highway, two million multi-colored lights lit the way to the California Living Museum.
Yes, it is that time of the year where spectators can be found gazing at various different displays that spark the Christmas season: HolidayLights @ CALM.
“We have over 60 displays throughout the facility,” said CALM’s program supervisor Lana Fain.
According to CALM’s Web site, the lighted displays were designed by Josh Barnett’s Lightasmic.
Christmas reds and greens decorated many full trees that lined the entry way until those same reds along with white and blue came together in the form of the U.S. flag.
“So far, so good,” said spectator Lenora Maynard.
However, Maynard and others were met with another familiar symbol of the Christmas season.
“It’s cold,” said Maynard as she hugged herself tightly.
“They need little heaters,” said Ray Gutierrez, another spectator of the annual event.
Although it was cold, the chilled breeze did not deter more guests who came with their families to share in the delight.
According to Fain, 44,000 guests of the museum viewed the lighted frogs on lily pads, an alligator sporting an umbrella, and the winter wonderland along with Santa last year.
“Awesome,” said Bakersfield native Ricardo Dealb, “It’s getting better every year.”
“My family is enjoying it,” Dealb added while his young son nodded his head in agreement.
Not only was there a Ferris wheel available to those who wanted a bird’s eye view and picnic tables for those eating snacks provided by Teen Challenge, a train was also available to those who wanted to rest their feet while still enjoying the scenery.
“I think it’s great,” said frequent visitor Laurel Johnson about her train ride.
“We wanted to come out and have a chance to ride on it and see how all the hard work has paid off.”
According to the train conductor, there is also a trolley used when business gets busy.
“Keep the crowd moving right along,” said the conductor.
According to Fain, there are still volunteers needed to handle all the excitement that takes place each night, for 35 nights. It took two months to get everything set up, according to Gutierrez.
Even though most of the animals were not observable during the showing of the displays except for the reptile house, according to Fain, the money raised will go toward these California natives.
“We’re just starting construction on a new mountain lion/bobcat exhibit,” said Fain.
Even though the “real” lion could not be seen, the inanimate lion still stared into the eyes of onlookers. “I think it’s fun,” said Johnson, “It’s a great way to kick off the season.”
HolidayLights @ CALM is open every night except for Christmas Eve and Christmas day through to Dec. 30.
The gates are open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 9 p.m.