VIDALIA, La. &045; Dancing snowflakes and flying reindeer greeted special guests Thursday night on the eve of the grand opening of the Winter Wonderland of Lights.

The million-light display, which features dozens of characters and scenes along the riverfront, opens to the public today.

&uot;We want to thank each and every one of you,&uot; Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland told guests at a reception at Comfort Suites. &uot;The people of Vidalia don’t take the words ‘no’ or ‘it can’t be done.’&uot;

This is the first year for the display, which stretches south along the riverfront from just under the bridge. Visitors can drive through to look at the lights at a cost of $8 per car. The display will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The proceeds, after payment to the company which erected the displays, will be split between the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.

&uot;We’re looking for a tremendous year,&uot; Copeland said, noting that more displays are scheduled to arrive next week to add to the light show.

Copeland compared the Winter Wonderland to the old International Paper Christmas display, a favorite of residents for many years.

&uot;We’re hoping to bring some of the IP days back,&uot; he said.

Vidalia resident Jan Simpson also thanked sponsors for their help with the light show.

&uot;We have been working on this for several months,&uot; she said.

The light festival is also part of the Miss-Lou’s Hollidazzle, a host of events throughout November and December.

&uot;Hollidazzle is a joint venture of Natchez and Vidalia to get more visitors to come and also to visit our merchants,&uot; Simpson said.

Simpson said the light show needs more volunteers to man the ticket booth. Anyone interested can call Vidalia Town Hall or the chamber of commerce office.