For 23 years the holiday season has been marked by the annual opening of the Christmas Wunderland light show at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Presented by The Richland County Agricultural Society, Wunderland opens on Nov 29 and will be open nightly until Dec. 25.
The light display has been designed and assembled by a single volunteer, Bob Hoover. According to Hoover, the light display began about 25 years ago as a way to utilize the fairgrounds during the off season. Hoover believes the light display has doubled in size over the years.
Although they never really counted how many bulbs it took to create the winter wonderland display, Hoover estimated that at one time it was thought the bulbs numbered 400,000. He did add that in recent years the display was converted from pin lights to newer c-7 bulbs and that every summer in preparation for the coming display he orders 5,000 replacement bulbs.
The festive light display includes animated Christmas scenes and cartoon characters, Hoover says he enjoys trying to add something new every year. This year, there will be an all new rope light on the grand stand and also new this year Hoover is adding a four-section train display.
In addition to the train display, another new element this year will be in the way of assistants for Hoover to getting the show on the road. This year Hoover will have four inmates from Richland Correctional Institution as volunteer workers.
“I come out one night, after the lights are up and Wunderland is open, to see the the reactions. There are always happy faces and to me that worth my time to see,” said Hoover.
Hoover estimates that last year approximately 6,500 people came through and he added that as the season gets into full swing the number of visitors really picks up.
Proceeds from Wunderland go to the maintenance and up keep of the fairgrounds.
Christmas Wunderland is open seven days a week from 5:30 to 9 p.m until Dec. 25. Admission is $6 per vehicle and $17 per small bus for tour groups.
“I come out one night, after the lights are up and Wunderland is open, to see the the reactions. There are always happy faces and to me that worth my time to see,” said Bob Hoover.