Bulletin Photo by Kevin Pieper James Ellis and Tim Lewis of Lewis Sign & Neon lean over a railing on the H.M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge in Cotter Wednesday while placing lightbulbs on the railings and arches of the bridge. Donations have made it possible to light the historic structure with more than 5,000 light bulbs. The lights should be ready to turn on before Christmas.

COTTER — More than 3,000 lights will adorn the newly restored R.M. Ruthven Bridge in Cotter in time to celebrate the holiday season.

Mayor Bill Jennings said the project may be completed and the lights turned on soon, well in time for Christmas. The lights are special-ordered, outdoor holiday lights, displaying approximately 3,000 C9 7-watt bulbs. The light bulbs will outline all five arches and railings of the bridge on both sides.

Since the bridge was restored this year, both sides will display the holiday lights, upstream and downstream, making the bridge enjoyable for more areas of people.

"It's something that's visible for a long way," said Jennings. "It can be seen driving on Highway 62, from the scenic overlook, even from Rainbow Heights."

Many community members supported the city of Cotter by donating to the project. More than 1,000 community members pitched to support the project with "Buy a Bulb for a Buck."

Community members bought bulbs, writing their names on them, "to have their names up in lights, so to speak," said Jennings.

"Anybody who's seen the bridge donates. It's the most outstanding attraction in Arkansas because when it's lit, it is marvelous, something to see," he said.

The October Campers, a group that comes every October to camp in the White River Campground, donated $601 this year, and Supreme Boat Manufacturing of Flippin also contributed by donating $500. Various other contributions helped make the lighting of the R.M. Ruthven Bridge possible this year.

According to Jennings, the project is costing twice what the city thought it would, and contributions still would be appreciated.

A bridge-lighting ceremony is to be announced depending on weather. Jennings encourages the public to view this "spectacular array of lights."

Contributions may be sent to Cotter City Hall, Bridge Lights, P.O. Box 9 Cotter, Ark. 72626.