RIPLEY -- Winterfest is “going green” this year at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Jackson County. More than 750,000 lights are the focal point of the sixth annual event, which begins Nov. 23 and continues through January.

Superintendent Ron Grimes said converting the conventional lights to LED bulbs will result in an energy savings of 92 percent. Students at West Virginia’s vocational and technical schools constructed many of the large displays. The center is operated by the state Department of Education.

In fact, solar-powered lights are used on a new 20-foot-tall Christmas tree display that was built by students at the Roane Jackson Technical Center.

A grand illumination event is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30. A holiday craft show is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Free craft classes led by nationally known instructors in quilting, stained glass and basketry also will be offered that day.

Fifty structures, including a covered bridge and historic log cabin, are brightly decorated for the event. Winterfest also includes a series of musical entertainment nights, cantatas and dinner theater performances on Dec. 18-19 by the Jackson County Players.

“Winterfest is a beautiful addition to a beautiful setting in Jackson County,” said Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader.

“Cedar Lakes is an ideal place to exhibit the outstanding Christmas lights, which add so much to our holiday season.” Special lodging rates of $32.50 per night are available at Holt Lodge at Cedar Lakes during Winterfest, which attracted more than 28,000 visitors in 2008.

Detailed information is available under the “What’s New” heading at www.wvde.state.wv.us/cedarlakes.