2005

It took about 3 weeks to setup 95% of the display. After that I added a few small things (well, 6 foot candy canes aren't really small). 16 inches of snow in the two weeks following Thanksgiving kept me from getting everything just how I wanted it. I finally "finished" the display December 12th. There are roughly 18,000 lights, mainly minis with a few C-9's (luminarias), 25W (blowmolds), and ropelights. Max power draw if I had everything on would be about 66 amps spread across five 15amp circuits. Because of computer control, most of the "show" runs on less than 30 amps.

I bought several items after Christmas last year, including the nativity (shepherd and animals), nutcrackers (toy soldiers), candle, Santa and snowman blowmolds, another reindeer, and several candy canes.

The 6 foot candy canes were built by a coworker in early December.

I also added a low-power FM transmitter so you can stay warm in your car and still hear the music. The "show" lasts about 10 minutes. The lights are synchronized (or choreographed) to "Carol of the Bells" (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), "Joy to the World", and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (Garth Brooks).

*****

This year's display shown about 95 percent complete (Thanksgiving weekend). I still have lights to add on the second window, in the bushes, and on the front door wreath.