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Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 25, 2024
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Bear Creek Lake State Park to host 10th annual Lights at the Lake
Enjoy the festive car ride along with refreshments and activities

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Bear Creek Lake Lights at the Lake display)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Lights and decorations at Bear Creek Lake)

CUMBERLAND, Va. – The 10th annual Lights at the Lake event will take place at Bear Creek Lake State Park Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

During this annual winter event, visitors will drive their car through the park’s campground and beach area to experience a wonderland of lights and community displays.

New this year, the first Saturday night of lights will honor first responders. There are also more activities and refreshments available for the guests.

“Saturday, December 7 is first responder night, and all first responders and military (active or veteran) will receive a free park pass for a future visit,” said Bear Creek Lakes State Park Manager Joey Dayton. “This event is a great way to connect people with the park and the local community.”

Local first responders will be set up in the activity area to meet members of the community. The rain date is Saturday, Dec. 14.

The Lakeside Snack Bar will be open with light refreshments and holiday-themed merchandise available to purchase. The Lakeside picnic shelter will have a warming campfire, with s’mores kits available for a small donation, and an activity table for making and decorating free crafts. It is suggested that you bring a flashlight when stopping for the activities.

At Bear Creek Hall, the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park will be selling whole barbeque pork butts and pulled pork by the pound. Whole pork butts can be pre-purchased and those interested need to contact Barbara Murray at 434-466-7046 to preorder by Dec. 6. while supplies last.

Raffle tickets will be available for a hand-made quilt, and for admission to the Powhatan Wine Festival. There will be a merchandise table and a photo op with Santa.

Admission is a new unwrapped toy or a monetary donation to benefit the Cumberland Christmas Mother. In 2023, nearly $8,000 and 340 toys were collected.

“There are two weekends to enjoy the lights and festivities, and we are excited to share this event with our guests,” said Dayton. “We hope you come out and make some memories at our park.”

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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