ABOUT US

History:

My entire life I have loved Christmas lights. I had a desire to create a Christmas light display that would be festive and memorable. Each year I added by increasing the number of lights. In 2004, I decided to step it up a notch or two...

It all began with a small programmable logic controller with 16 outputs to flash with the beat of a CD player I had connected to the PLC.

In 2006, a PC was added - networking it with individual controllers and adding the radio station and controls so the lights could be viewed by sitting in a car and listening to the radio.

The system has continued to grow to where it is today. The result has been both entertaining and rewarding for all who come to enjoy it, as well as for me and my family. The feedback that we have received is heart-warming. It has brightened the holidays for many.

The display uses a master computer networked with 25 controllers, 612 channels, and 50,000+ lights; utilizing our neighbor's to the north lights also. It includes 16 songs that range from traditional to contemporary, silly to sweet, and a Star Wars Theme song in honor of my oldest grandson.

2018:

As I have been assessing and preparing for Christmas 2018 several things have come to light. It is much more time consuming to get everything organized and tested. The lights are showing their age.

They are not as brilliant as they once were because of fading. Bulb and socket failure rate is high. This translates into more time, money, and the effect of the show. The show will go on for Christmas 2018.

Future:

Technology has moved forward and it is time to catch up. For Christmas 2019 the lights need to be changed to LEDs. Controllers and software need to be upgraded. The cost will be significant. I am hoping you will share the cost with me so this project can stay alive.

Annual Set Up

1. Programing starts in June

2. Controller testing takes 2 weeks

3. Light testing takes 3 - 4 weeks

4. Display set up takes 2 weeks

5. Display testing takes 1-2 weeks

6. Display runs from December 1 to January 1

Neighbors:

We are very lucky to have good neighbors that are willing to deal with the added traffic incurred by this project each year. The average number of times songs have been selected is 2250 per year. That does not count the number of cars that are watching while someone else selects the song. Please be considerate of our neighbors by turning off your headlights, and please do not park on their grass or in their driveways.

Donation

Your donations are not for my profit. All donated money will go toward the expenses of operating and maintaining the light shows of the future.

The display was built prior to LEDs being mainstream. This display is 95% mini incandescent light bulbs. Over the years, the colors have faded and bulb failure has increased. Replacement incandescent Christmas lights are being phased out. It is time to move to a more efficient and reliable display. The upfront cost is substantial. If the display is to stay alive after 2018, I need your help.

Thank you, we can make this happen with your support.