Ravenswood shines bright

Ravenswood and Ripley shine bright with Christmas lights, decorations

Katelyn Waltemyer
Jackson Newspapers
 

Christmas time calls for mugs filled to the brim with hot chocolate and families piling into cars to go shopping, visit family or look at holiday lights.

Homeowners across Jackson County have put up their own lights, and so have municipalities. Here's what Ravenswood and Ripley have for the holiday season. 

This year Ravenswood didn't hold back with its light display. The Riverfront Park has turned into a drive-thru Christmas light experience for the public. With countless displays from a nativity scene to a crane operator, there's something for the whole family to enjoy at the Riverfront Park. 

When going to the park, you will see signs instructing to turn your radio onto 90.1 FM. Pay close attention — some of the lights are coordinated with the music. 

Volunteers stand by a warm fire and a small hut to accept donations. As you pass by, they may give you a candy cane or two for the road. Donations are not required. 

Ravenswood's lights don't stop at the Riverfront Park, though. When you exit the park and are hungry for more Christmas joy, turn left and go down Washington Street. Every street light is dawned with lights that look like angels. 

Ripley may not have its own drive-thru light experience, but there's still plenty for the eyes on Main Street. All of the street lights have snowflake lights and are garnered with bright red bows. 

There are small light displays spread across downtown. For example, there is a snowman family at the corner of Main Street and Court Street that holds a banner saying, "Let it snow." 

Two gazebos in Ripley are ready for Christmas. The one on the courthouse lawn and the other at the end of Court Street are decked with bright Christmas lights. The one on the courthouse lawn has a fully lit tree in the middle and the Court Street gazebo has drummer boys inside. 

Ripley has more than lights. It has selfie stations scattered about Main Street. The city made use of its empty storefronts for the holiday season by decorating them to look light old-fashioned businesses. There's a toy store, book and candy shop that people can take photos with. 

Whether you're in Ravenswood or Ripley, there are plenty of Christmas lights to enjoy. 

— Katelyn Waltemyer (she/her) is the General Assignment and Enterprise Reporter for Jackson Newspapers in Jackson County, West Virginia. Have a news tip on local government or education? Or a good feature? You can reach Katelyn at kwaltemyer@jacksonnewspapers.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kate_Waltemyer.