CHESTERLAND, Ohio — It's the second year the Berkshire Hills Golf Course has transformed into a holiday light oasis.But not all is calm and bright.
Major traffic back-ups have left a bitter taste in the mouths of nearby residents.
The Christmas light park lived up to the hype, turning its landscape into a winter wonderland called Bethlehem Hills.
But operator Walter Miraglia hasn't lived up to his promises to reduce traffic congestion, which has left nearby residents frustrated for the second year in a row and local officials demanding changes.
One resident posted videos on YouTube of recent traffic jams created by the display.
The golf course is charging cars $20 to drive through the grounds and past more than $1 million lights choreographed to music. The display was a hit last year - but the noise and long lines of cars on weekends along Mayfield Road triggered complaints.
Miraglia told 3News last month that he was making changes. Among them: requiring drivers to purchase advance tickets to speed up the lines entering the park. But he's still taking cash and credit from patrons without advance tickets, which, along with increased volume, continues back up cars.
Miraglia didn't respond to a request to talk about his plans for the remaining week of the display.
The Geauga County Sheriff's office plans to have additional officers on site in the coming days.
"We have four deputies working over there for the next couple of days to control traffic on the major intersections and to see traffic flow smoothly in and out of the event," said Chief Deputy Thomas Rowan.
Deputy Rowan also recommends, "If you are not going to the country lights, or Bethlehem Lights or whatever, try to take an alternative route."
Officials say they were stuck in one lane for 26 minutes, and estimated that coming from the other direction would require twice as much time.