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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: February 10, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Bear Creek Lake State Park winter event breaks record numbers
Lights at the Lake donations and attendance doubled

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Aerial view of light display at Bear Creek Lake State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Light display loop and tunnel at Bear Creek Lake State Park)

CUMBERLAND, Va. --- The annual Lights at the Lake event at Bear Creek Lake State Park had record attendance for the 2024 event. Monetary donations and/or a new, unwrapped toy is the admittance fee for the event and with a total of 1,669 vehicles and 1,320 toys donated, this event continues to see an increase each year.

“Donations and attendance doubled from the previous year and we are so grateful for everyone that came out to see our spectacular light display while giving back to the community,” said Bear Creek Lake State Park Manager Joey Dayton.

The event is held the first two weekends in December and is hosted by the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park. This group is a hands-on volunteer organization that supports the park by donating their time and efforts to maintain the park as well as organize programs and events.

This event generates revenue for the park, the Friends Group and the Cumberland Christmas Mother.

“We raised $7,876 in 2023 but last year we raised $14,286 in donations for the Cumberland Christmas Mother,” said Dayton. “Bear Creek Hall had a table setup where you could purchase park merchandise or snacks and our Friends Group sold delicious pork butts that all contributed to our happy guests. We are very excited to watch this event grow and continue to support our community.”

The park is always looking for camp hosts to help the staff put up the light display in October and November so visit the camp host web page at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/camp-host to learn more about how you can help.

Be sure to save the dates for this year’s event and keep checking the Bear Creek Lake State Park web page for upcoming events.

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For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov for more information.

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