ASHLAND, Ky. - Even though the Tri-State has not seen any snowfall, winter begins tonight in Ashland.

After almost a decade, the Winter Wonderland of Lights Committee will again sponsor its opening night at 6 p.m. tonight at the Central Park Gazebo. Opening night will kick off the Winter Wonderland of Lights lighting display season in Central Park and downtown Ashland.

Local choirs and individuals will perform holiday music and "CoCo the Clown", the 2003 Parade Grand Marshal will turn on the lights, which will continue to burn through Jan. 2 from dusk to 11 p.m. nightly. A very special visitor, Santa Claus, will arrive to visit the children.

This year's Winter Wonderland features artwork from a group of Lawrence County high school students. Collins Career Center's welding students constructed large snowflake decorations that will be on display.