A: Approximately 6 weeks working at night a few hours at a time after work. My family gets involved bringing out the blow molds and lights.
We start placing them on the lawn one at a time, trying to make sure they don't block each other. Then we place the Airblown inflatables towards the back, since they are the largest
. Once all the lights and decorations are up and in place, we start the wiring. If you can believe it, it takes about 2 1/2 days to get the display
wired up.
Q: How much does your electric bill during the Christmas season
?
A: Actually we don't know the cost. We're on a budget plan with the electric company, so our bill stays the same each month. We don't know what the appox. 6 weeks of display costs,
Maybe it's better we don't know for sure.
Q: How may lights are there?
A: There are 1000's , we haven't counts the lights. But there are about 450 blow molds and about 25 Airblown Inflatables.
We add more every year.
Q: Where do you store it all?
A: Most of the Blow molds fit into sheds in the yard. What does not fit, we store in the garage, basement, and attic.
Q: Do you place all the decorations in the same place every year?
A: No, I mix it up every year. Some things may stay in the same area, but i decide as I'm going along.
Q: How do you control the lights?
A: The lights are powered by 12 dedicated 20 amp circuts. They are about maxed, and need to add a few more circuits next year.
Q: Why do you do this?
A: I do this because I love the lights. It's my gift to my family and community. My children have grown up with the lights, and don't know anything else. Hopefully they will take over when the time comes.
I love the look in my grandsons eyes, when he looks at all the decorations. He now helps me with the decorating. His favorite piece is a Mickey Mouse Airblown Inflatable.
We all enjoy when visitors stop buy to see the decorations with their children. I love to see the smiles on their faces. Many people in the neighborhood have had their children grow up visiting our display.
Q: How much did all this cost to do?
A: I really don't know what the cost has been over the years. And really don't care.
When you enjoy doing this knd of thing, price is secondary.
Q: What will next years display be like?
A: An even bigger display than this year. There are some home made items in the works, that you'll enjoy.
We'll try our best to make sure there ready for Christmas 2007. This Christmas 2007 will be our 20th decorating anniversary..!
