ROCKY GAP — Mountain Reflections, the American Red Cross outdoor light show at Rocky Gap State Park, will kick off today for its ninth consecutive season of delighting children of all ages. The gates open at 6 p.m. and will remain open until 9:30 p.m. every night through Jan. 1 for patrons to enjoy more than 60 giant holiday-themed displays and decorated trees.

“We have six new displays this year and most of our old favorites,” said Michelle Harris, community services director for the Western Potomac Chapter. Harris said that a few of the oldest displays were traded in so they could inject some new life into the show. “Many people think the show is the same every year, but that’s not true. We always have new displays, and we always try to have new lighting and decorations.”

The new stars this year are a puppy in a Christmas package, an animated bell tower, a girl building a snowman, an animated juggling snowman, a candy cane and gingerbread man and an animated Victorian man waving from his horse and surrey.

One aspect that has changed this year is the absence of the park buildings that housed the volunteer snack shack. According to Bill Crawford, executive director of the local chapter, “Rocky Gap Park has torn down the buildings and is in the process of building a new one, so our display area will be slightly smaller for this year only, but we were still able to fit most of our displays in the areas around the construction site.” The Rocky Gap Park Volunteer Team will have a trailer for selling concessions.

The outdoor event has been pleasing area residents and visitors since 2001. The displays are sponsored by area businesses and individuals, and all proceeds go to fund the programs of the American Red Cross in this area. “When you visit Mountain Reflections, you support our agency, and that means we’ll always be ready to help area residents in their times of need,” said Crawford.

This major fundraising event is made possible almost entirely by volunteers. “Dr. Troy Strieby of Frostburg State University is a member of our board of directors, and he supervises all of the setup and take-down of the show,” said Harris. “Troy has utilized the youth of the various camps of the Department of Juvenile Services to get everything up and running, and there is no one who has worked any harder or for any longer hours than Troy,” she said.

Tickets for the show can be purchased at the gate, and are still $7 for cars and personal vans. Rates are available for anyone who wants to bring a bus or other multiseat vans, and three-day passes and gift certificates will be on sale at the chapter. The chapter can be reached at (301) 722-1760 for questions about the event.