Former Ohio governor to flip switch this week at Clifton Mill holiday display

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

A legendary holiday tradition in the region and one of the most popular in the country will illuminate for the first time this season on Friday.

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill, located at 75 Water St. in Clifton, just outside of Yellow Springs, will kick-off at 6 p.m. with former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft and former first lady, Hope Taft, flipping the switch.

The display will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30. Gates open at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Children 3 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

Over three decades, the lights have become a Miami Valley institution around Christmas time.

In Dec. 2018, the lights placed second in the “Best Public Holiday Lights Display in the U.S.” category in the USA Today 10BEST contest. That same month, Clifton Mill was highlighted on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” and won the grand prize of $50,000 on the “Heavyweight Division” episode.

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

“Absolutely floored ABC picked us to be featured on their show. Even more gratifying we took home the heavyweight champion trophy. Still on cloud nine after three years,” said Anthony Satariano, co-owner of Historic Clifton Mill.

As always, the covered bridge synchronized lights and music show, occurring hourly each night, returns for 2021. Fans can also get excited for a new addition, the “Magical, Musical Forest of Trees.”

“Also, over 30 years ago, the owners began work on a miniature village with mini versions of some of Clifton’s historic buildings built by an artisan in Pennsylvania,” stated a release from Clifton Mill. “There have been new additions each year by a variety of artists. Today, it is a sight to behold with street after miniature street of scaled down homes and businesses, a tiny Fire Dept. putting out a “house fire,” an outdoor train, a 1950s drive-in theatre, a County Fair and much more.”

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Snacks including hot chocolate, hot dogs and beverages are also available to guests for purchase.

For more information, visit www.cliftonmill.com.

About the Author