Bentleyville

Up until 2008, a guy with the last name of Bentley (no relation to the car manufacturer) strung Christmas lights all over his yard and allowed people to walk and drive through the display for free (encouraging donations, of course) as sort of a gift to the community for the Christmas season. The event grew bigger and bigger every year until it pretty much got out of hand for Mr. Bentley, and the City of Duluth decided this would be a great event to instead have at Bayfront Park. To get setup for the new location, planning started in 2008 (no lights that year), and volunteers started decorating as early as September!


Since we didn't go to the display before the 2009 Christmas season, I was wondering if this was really going to be worth it. Walking into the first display area, I think it was convinced it was worth it to brave the 0 degree temperatures.


The Blues Fest band shell was even decorated.


Hot chocolate and cookies were donated to the City so people could enjoy them while wandering through the lights display.

Fancy light pole.

A Christmas light rendition of Enger Tower (local landmark) complete with deer and snowflakes.

Tunnel of lights.


Pat thought it would be fun to try shooting a long exposure in the tunnel, zooming out during the exposure. The photo turned out pretty 'psychedelic.'

Complimentary popcorn was also offered as a snack.

Besides being a support structure for lights, the band shell also served as the area for roasting complimentary marshmallows and visiting Santa. It was a pretty cool sight.

The snowflakes on the band shell column were just the right touch.

This sign was kind of out in the middle of a snowbank, so I am not really sure what this was supposed to refer to.

But, yep, I think the whole place was a nice photo spot!

Another 'psychedelic' tunnel.

There was even a rendition of the Duluth lift bridge and breakwalls with a ship.

Loch Superior monster? ;-)

Noah's ark.

A nice send off before heading back to the car. This had really put me in the Christmas spirit.

Of course we couldn't help but take a quick shot of the bridge before heading home!