November 22, 2022 10:40 a.m. 

With friends, family and superheroes cheering them on, the Grand Marshals of the 2022 Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights took the first trip through the displays on Sunday night, marking the opening of the 30th edition of the event at River Forks Park.

Seated in the cab of a Douglas County Fire District No. 2 firetruck, Grand Marshals Andrew, Alex and Parker were part of the tradition that began in 1993 – well before any of them were born.

Festival Chair Tabitha Layman said organizers started launching the Festival of Lights this way last year. Layman said each of the youngsters who have served as a grand marshal face a significant health challenge.

In addition to the hero firefighters, four superheroes summoned by Tim Beatty were also on hand- Batman, She-Hulk, Poison Ivy and a Ghostbuster.

This season marks the return of the Dutch Bros Holiday Village. It is in a new location at the Riversdale Grange, on Garden Valley Road. The Festival of Lights is happening nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. through January first. Tickets are $10 per vehicle. Find out more at www.uvfestival.com.