Iron Range Light Display Dubbed 'Bentleyville of the North'

EVELETH, Minn. - Move over Bentleyville, an Iron Range hotel claims it has the brightest display north of Duluth. The owner of Super 8 in Eveleth has gone all out with Christmas lights. He says it’s his way of spreading holiday cheer. During the day, the Super 8 looks like your average hotel, but in December when the sun goes down, it's transformed into Aho-Ville which Iron Rangers have named Bentleyville of the north."It's the festive part of the year,” smiled Super 8 owner, Bill Aho. “The brightness, the variety, the mass of it." When you see the extravagant light display you know you're on the range."When they arrive, there's some excitement there,” said Aho. “You always strive for the wow factor." Wow is exactly what guests say when checking in at the decked out Super 8."I like what I do,” smiled Aho. “I'm in the hospitality business and especially the kids. The kids it's the wow factor." Creating the wow started back in September putting lights on the roof, buying new lights, and making sure each bulb twinkles as bright as the next."It's just the challenge of delivering pleasure to lots of people,” said Aho. Every year he adds a little more, and this year he's added his own Finnish twist giving his display a name."I also have heard a rumor it's called Aho-Ville,” he laughed. “I like it. Why not?" Why not take hospitality to a whole new level? Bill Aho did.He says the end product is 100 percent worth it."In God's country in Northern Minnesota, this is your chance," Aho said. “We are here to please you and you will go away with a very indelible thought in mind.” Aho-Ville will be lit up until New Year's and the owner already has big plans in store for next year. On Dec. 23, Aho-Ville is having a big event inviting everyone to see the lights and treating guests to free hot cocoa and cookies.