November 13, 2023 3:20 a.m.
Grand Marshal Brynlee Roberts of Winchester will help launch the opening night for the Roseburg Rotary Club’s Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights on Sunday November 19th at River Forks Park, west of Roseburg.
Known as Brynlee the Brave, Brynlee has been named as the Grand Marshal for the ceremonial “first trip” through the light display. The teen will be in a Douglas County Fire District No. 2 firetruck, escorted by other emergency vehicles.
A Festival release said the tradition of naming Grand Marshals began three years ago. With the cooperation of District No. 2, deserving youngsters and their families have enjoyed the honor of being named Grand Marshal.
Festival of Lights Committee Chair Tabitha Layman said, “Brynlee and her family are incredibly brave”. Layman said, “There is just something about these lights and holiday traditions that intensify the season for families with children who face health issues. Its an honor to provide this chance for them”.
In October of 2020 at the age of 11, Brynlee was diagnosed with a brain tumor and in the days following underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a low-grade, slow growing brain tumor that typically is diagnosed in children.
Brynlee has undergone multiple brain surgeries, radiation in Seattle, and non-stop chemotherapy in Portland. The 14-year old still has more procedures ahead. Her family has launched the Brynlee the Brave Facebook group where her mother Sara, posts updates and visitors are encouraged to write Dad jokes in another effort to just make people smile.
Launched by the Roseburg Rotary Club in 1993, the Festival of Lights continues to feature more than a half-million lights and over 90 displays. This year also marks the second season of the Dutch Bros Holiday Village at Riversdale Grange at 4855 Garden Valley Road. It will be open Thursday through Sunday nights from November 30th to December 24th. One ticket will allow families to enjoy both events.
Layman said families will able to see Santa and other characters at the Holiday Village. Fan favorites like letters to Santa, the model railroad train, and a Santa doll collection. Hot chocolate, cider and baked goods will be for sale.
Visitors can purchase tickets, which are $10 per vehicle, at www.uvfestivaloflights.com. Scanners at the entrance to the drive-through will confirm the purchase and allow entry. Tickets are also available at the gate.
Proceeds from the Festival of Lights goes to Rotary Scholarships and other Rotary supported programs. It is presented by Roseburg Rotary, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, First Interstate Bank, Dutch Bros, First Community Credit Union and Northwest Community Credit Union.