Festival of Lights to return to Riverside next month

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Crews are applying the finishing touches around the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in preparation for the Inland Empire's signature holiday event – the “Festival of Lights” – which turns downtown Riverside into a brilliantly illuminated kingdom of holiday-themed entertainment the day after Thanksgiving. “The Festival of Lights is a time-honored way to celebrate the kickoff of the holiday season with family and friends,” Riverside Mayor Rusty Bailey said Wednesday. “This beloved event also showcases our historic downtown, which provides an incredible boost to our local businesses.” City officials said everything is on track for the opening of the 27th annual festival on Nov. 29, when Mission Inn owner and festival founder Duane Roberts, joined by Bailey