12/20/2008 12:32:00 PM
Todd Calling It Quits After 15 Years Lights out
SEASONAL CAMPERS FROM ST. Cloud/Clearwater RV Park (formerly KOA) gathered at the campground for a holiday party last weekend then took a hayride across the street to view the light display at the Todd farm. It is an annual event, and since the campground officially closes before the lights come on for the holidays, many never get to see it. This is their last year, however, because Todd has decided not to put up the display next year. Taking part in the event (not all took the hayride) were Rich & Carol Fuchs, Jason & Sue Halgrimson, Jim & Shelly Jeffers, Pete & Renee Merges, Gerald & Irene Diedrich, Roger & Shannon Hulleman, Bill & Joan Krippner, Gary & Marilyn Messner, Bill & Marcia Martin, Larry & Gail Mickles, Edger & Ardys Zimmerman, camprgound owners Wes & Karen Nelson and Greg & Sue Todd. (Photo by Ken Francis.)
Just about everyone in the Clearwater area has seen the holiday light display set up by Greg on the family farm on Co. Rd. 143.
People have travelled from miles around to view the colorful display of Christmas characters - from snowmen and reindeer, to religious figures, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Over the years, Todd's display has grown to well over 1.000,000 lights, and his U-shaped driveway allows visitors to drive through and view the lights up close.
But after 15 years, Todd says it's time to call it quits.
Todd says he started decorating with lights after seeing what his brother-in-law was doing in St. Cloud with his decorations. The first year he went to Target and walked out with three shopping carts of lights.
"We started putting up the lights using a 24 ft. pole. The next year we used four sections of scaffolding on a pickup truck bed with the 24 ft. pole to gain a higher reach, which wasn't very safe," he says. "After a few years of that, we started to rent a small portable lift for the weekend and worked in the rain and snow until late in the night to get the trees decorated before the weekend was over."
About seven years ago he purchased a bucket truck, which was safer and enabled him to put up more lights even higher. To get the reindeer on the top of the barn he used to put ladder against the barn, however it wouldn't quite reach the top.
"So, we would throw a rope over and attach it to something heavy. My crazy brother-in-law (Kenny) and I then would carry the deer up the barn as we pulled ourselves up by the rope," he says. "I am way too old to do that anymore and he is even older.
Over the years they have gotten more efficient as the display has gotten bigger. They have switched to big reels for the electrical cords instead of wrapping them up by hand. And they try to keep things together instead of taking them apart every year. "We used to put together the trees in the field by pounding a pole into the ground and stringing the lights on them. Now the trees for the field display we have together in advance on skids (when it is still warm) and then move the skids out and set in place at the time we start setting up," he says. "With all the efficiency it still takes a lot of time, so with a sad heart, we are announcing that this will be the last year. The mind and heart would like to continue, the body is yelling to stop."
I would like to express my thanks more than I ever could show to my parents, who have helped and endured the display for the past 15 years, my brother-in-law Kenny who has been a constant source of help and ideas these past years, Wes and Karen Nelson who have been a great help since moving across the street, recently my wife, Sue and her parents, Terry Yager from Rapid Plating for his support over the years, and then also the rest of my family and friends who have helped out whenever they could. Thanks.
Also, thanks to all who have seen the lights. I hope that you enjoyed them as much as we have.
For more information, including sale information, please to go www.TheNeverRestRanch.com/Christmas
A few facts about the lights:
• The lights are on from about 5 to 11 p.m. until Dec. 31.
• The lights will be on all night Christmas Eve.
• Santa will be outside Friday and Saturday until Christmas from the hours of 6 to 8 p.m. (weather permitting).
