Why do you decorate?  We decorate for several reasons.  Each one is equally important.  First of all, my father would drive my sister and I around Green Bay, WI every year looking at other displays.  I still have great memories of those years, so I wanted to help make memories for other kids including my own.  I still like to drive around and look at other displays so it makes sense to have my own so when I want to look at one, I just have to walk out the door.  I also like the work that goes into it as far as the design and being able to be creative in my way.  

 How many lights do you have?  For 2008 we had 16,000 lights, several blowmolds, 7 inflatables, and a couple other odds and ends.  2009 was awesome!  With over 35,000 lights and decorations, about half animated to music, it was a success!  2010 had about 40,000 lights, ALL animated to music.  2011 might be a static display only due to remodeling.  We will be back for sure in 2012 with the best display yet!

What is an animated display?   An animated display means that the lights dance to the music.  Basically the lights and music are controlled by a computer program which can be purchased from a couple different manufacturers.  See the Technical page for more info. 

How long does it take to set up?  Obviously it takes longer each year because the display keeps getting bigger.  My first year doing an outdoor display was in 2003.  It was small and probably took 6 hours.  In 2009, it took 7 weeks to set up!  2010 took 8 weeks to set up.  This is just hanging lights and setting up decorations and running extension cords.  Sequencing the lights with the music takes much more time and is usually done in the offseason.  It usually takes 2 to 4 hours to sequence one minute of music.  So if you have 5 songs, each one being 3 minutes long (5 x 3 = 15 x 3 hours = 45 hours to sequence).  It sounds like a lot but that is why it is a year round hobby.  While most people are thinking about spring flowers and putting in their garden, I am thinking about Christmas and what the display will look like for the next season. 

How do I listen to the music?   Well you can listen to the lights one of two ways.  Either walking up and listening to the speakers or tuning your car station to 93.1 fm and listening on your radio.