Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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Christmas Lights Extravaganza
Posted: 12.25.2009 at 11:02 AM
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A Wakefield family has 27,000 lights on display

WAKEFIELD -- For 25 years, John and Barb Siira have been dazzling the Wakefield community with a Christmas lights display rivaling Rockefeller Center.

The 27,000 light display takes up half of a city block and is viewed every year by people across the Western U.P.

"The people stop and talk to us and say how many people that they brought themselves,” said homeowner John Siira.  “It's overwhelming how many people go and actually take a look, and that's why we do it."

The lights are shining bright from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, costing the Siira's $125 extra in electricity bills alone.

The display has become a community tradition.

"It's great, we like it,” said neighbor Julie Imhoff, who looks at the lights with her three-year-old son, Leo.  “We wait for five o'clock for the lights to come on, don't we?  We just look forward to it and enjoy it every year when they put up their lights."

"I think it is awesome," said Leo.

Unfortunately a Grinch tried to steal Christmas by damaging an estimated $2,000 worth of lights earlier this month.

Even if the display is less spectacular than normal, it is still entertaining people of all ages.

"I think it's really nice just having, especially the kids,” John said.  “I talk to parents all the time that say that their kids insist that they come by.  There are times parents will come by a half dozen times or more during the season."

The Siira’s estimated it takes 50 to 60 manhours to put the 27,000 lights up.  However, they said getting the praise and appreciation from the community makes it all worth it. 

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