Fireworks on Saturday Night at River Hill Farms near Ompah

Jeff Green | Dec 13, 2023

A lot happens at Riverhill Farm throughout the year. Lots and lots of sap gets boiled down for syrup in the spring, the summer is devoted to vegetables, and as the fall rolls around and the frost gets into the ground, it is time to tend to the lights.

This Christmas season Riverhill is celebrating the 10th season of its Christmas Lights Display. The display has grown every year, surpassing the 100,000 light mark several years ago and continuing to grow, this year to over 160,000.

“We keep coming up with new ideas, always building on the previous year,” said Stepanie Lemke of the display.”

Each year, hundreds of cars make the drive up the River Road to the Struthadam Road to enjoy the lights. When COVID came along an option for drive-through viewing was developed, and now people can park and walk-though the lights, or drive through. Either way, it is best to park for a while, in orfer to see the vendors and stop at “The Flamingo” for mini-donuts, hot chocolate, home-made fudge, candy apples, and more. And wagon rides are back as well.

And this Saturday, to mark the 10th anniversary, a fireworks display will take plave at 7pm. Riverhill and local business sponsors, including: Lonnie Watkins Tre Service, Gemmil’s Sand and Gravel, Sargeant Tree Removal, B&T Macfarlane, and others have helped make this show happen.

The sight of fireworks soaring over the brightly lit displays in the black night sky is something that people will not want to miss, so arrive early to get ready.

“This is something we have wanted to do, and when Lonnie and all of the other businesses heard about it they wanted to help make it happen,” said Stephanie. “We can wait to see it all unfold.”

An additional feature this Saturday is a wagon ride to see Santa himself.

The Display will be lit up every night until the 30th for those who can’t make in on Saturday, with wagon rides on this weekend, and every night starting on the 22nd. The “Flamingo” will be open Friday to Sunday this weekend as well, and from the 22nd to the wrap up night on the 30th.

Admission is by donation, and please note that there is the section of Struthadam road to Road 506 is impassable Please use River Road, either from Road 509 to the north or Ardoch Road to the south.