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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Shades Of Brilliance Holiday Light Displays Leave Readers Raving

Putsata Reang Staff writer

FOR THE RECORD: Saturday, December 16, 1995 CORRECTION: An address in the list of holiday light displays was wrong in Friday’s IN Home section. The correct address is 611 W. Alice, on Spokane’s North Side.

You might say Chris Meyer had a bright idea - a really bright idea.

Members of the Meyer clan, who live at 1722 S. Bettman Road in the Spokane Valley, strung up 30,000 lights this year for their annual Christmas display, easily making it one of the largest and brightest spectacles in the area.

“They’re all over the place,” says Mary Meyer, Chris Meyer’s mother. She’s been delegated the duty of paying the electric bill, which is usually a few hundred dollars each December.

The Meyers were one of 58 families nominated through our Cityline request for locations of creative Christmas displays.

The Meyer display is all lights except the Nativity scene, which is new this year.

Part of the yard is designated for the Toyland exhibit, which includes a 5-foot bear, 4-feet candy canes and a carousel horse.

“It’s a festival of lights,” says Chris Meyer, affectionately named “chief architect” of the family’s project. The Meyers got interested in doing a display about four years ago when they decided to enter a national holiday light-decorating contest. A few years ago, the family won several light fixtures to add to their collection.

Last year, Chris Meyer mailed in a photo of their display and took third place, cashing in a $250 check.

“We’re going for first place this year,” she says with determination.

Putting together such an extensive project takes a lot of organization and planning, she says. It also takes a lot of time.

The family started their project immediately after they took down their Halloween lights, which, incidentally, were also an elaborate display of shimmer and shine.

The family of six worked for about six weeks to complete the Christmas project. Everyone had a job, including roof-climbing and bargain-hunting.

While lights grace the Meyer home, Michael DeBauw has his own Christmas decorating fetish - snowmen.

DeBauw, who lives at 2904 W. Central, has about 20 plastic snowmen plunked down in his yard, and he wants more.

The DeBauws, who live on a corner lot, created a church-like facade with a choir on the garage doors.

Last year, DeBauw took a year off and decided not to decorate his home. But after receiving several cards from neighbors wondering where the decorations were, DeBauw pulled out his old boxes of ornaments and started the tradition again.

Others have made Christmas decorating a neighborhood event.

Sharon Stamper, who lives at 3710 N. 21st Place in the Pinehill subdivision in Coeur d’Alene, says her entire block is decked out.

Residents who live on 21st and 22nd in the subdivision got together for a Christmas decorating block party the weekend after Thanksgiving.

About 25 people showed up for the work party, decorating their way from one end of the street to the other. Each home is outlined in lights, and each has a lighted Christmas tree in the front yard. They even have a name for their neighborhood project, The Winter Wonderland.

“I think this brings out the feeling of unity,” Stamper says. “You can tell that the neighbors feel good about their neighborhood. You can feel the closeness here.”

Some people really go out on a limb to put up their displays.

Gary Gilb of Mead climbed 30 feet up a pine tree at his home to place a star at the top.

Gilb’s display, at 15004 N. Lowe Road, includes a dozen lighted cut-out trees, about 15 lighted lollipops, a Santa Claus on the roof with six reindeer and a sleigh rocking back and forth with some reindeer, attached to reins, hanging in midair.

Teamwork plays a big role in most decorating projects. Pat Gilb, Gary’s wife, made sketches for the wood ornaments while Gary was in charge of cutting them out. The couple strung up about 5,000 lights this year.

Gilb took a week-long vacation from work to finish his display. He got some of his ideas from Christmas cards.

“It’s always fun to see the string of cars come by,” Gilb says. “I just hope the house doesn’t burn down.”

Gilb’s tradition of putting up lights started as friendly competition between him and a neighbor when he was living in California. Eventually, as the men tried to outdo each other, Gilb’s display evolved, getting bigger and bigger as the years blinked by.

“Probably everybody who does this shares the same goal - the holiday spirit,” Gilb said. “You sure don’t do this for selfish reasons.”

Scott Jordan, a Coeur d’Alene homeowner, agrees.

The Jordan family’s display is a must-see on your tour of local lights.

Jordan and his wife, Marilyn, started putting up two acres of Christmas glimmer at 2496 E. Hanley a week before Halloween, working in the evenings and on the weekends. Their project includes lights on about 70 bushes and trees, a 30-foot sleigh with Santa and his reindeer, and a 30-foot train set made out of tinsel that lights up the driveway.

“You’d have to be standing around and seeing the people when they come by and hear the expressions and comments,” Jordan said. “No matter if it’s large or small, people just get enjoyment out of seeing the glitter.”

The Jordans have received thank you cards from many out-of-town passers-by, and even a few cards from out of the state.

In addition to the time it takes to put up a huge display, people also have to combat heavy traffic.

Last year, the Jordan family got caught up in a line of cars outside their home and had to wait about 15 minutes to inch their way into the driveway.

And there’s also the electric bill. Most homeowners who use lights say their December bills are about twice the normal bill, but they consider it a gift to the community.

It’s hard to put a price on enjoyment with this kind of project, Jordan said.

“Seeing the kids and the grown-ups coming here, that’s our incentive,” Jordan said.

Others are merely keeping a tradition alive to pass on to the next generation.

Harrold and Alta Gilley, at 2821 S. Thor, have decorated their home for as long as they’ve been married, 38 years.

“It’s just a fun thing for us,” Alta Gilley said. “It’s something we’ve always done and something we can pass down to our children.”

The Gilley’s display includes lighted trees in the front yard, ornaments on the home, and lights leading up to the front door.

“This is a great time of year,” Gilley said. “It’s a happy time. It is hard work, but it’s worth it.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color Photos

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Lights for sore eyes Here is the list of decorated homes that readers called in and described: Spokane, North Side 2904 W. Central Ave. “Front and back yards are totally Christmas decorated as well as the house; it’s totally magical.” 7020 N. Calispel. Lights all around the house, garage, trees and yard, with Santa and his sleigh on the roof, a Nativity scene, soldiers, candy canes, snowmen and more. 1014 E. Hoffman. “Has tons of lights everywhere - everything is covered with lights.” 4214 W. Sutherlin Place. “The house is so bright it glows.” There’s a life-sized snowman in the front yard, a teeter totter, Ferris wheel and more. 4221 N. Lidgerwood. Giant peace sign in white lights at night, green garland during the day. “You could land an airplane from all the light it gives out.” 2505 Garfield. A train spans a long way. “Very nicely decorated house.” 412 E. Rich. “Have a Mooey Christmas” describes these decorations. 819 W. Holyoke Ave. Simple blue decorations with a beautiful tree in the window. 2607 W. Rockwell. A sailboat with the mast covered with green lights sits in the front yard. 1917 E. Sharp. A simple light display covering the whole house, eaves, chimney, etc. 307 W. Cleveland. Lights everywhere with Santa and a snowman in the yard. 1323 E. Walton. “Mostly homemade decorations outside of the house and along the fence line.” 2904 E. Liberty. All decorations in mini white lights. “Very pretty corner house.” 3930 S.E. 8th Court. “Decorations are many swags over windows and doors with lights and a lot of red bows.” 4800 block of Princeton Place (two blocks south of Albi Stadium). “Looks pretty nice.” 6308 E. Pinta. In this 35-piece Nativity scene, some of the characters are 4-feet tall. 617 W. Alice Ave. The entire front of the house, down one side and a couple of trees are lighted, and there’s a scene with little Jesus and animals. 9823 N. Andrew. “Many, many lights.” 2233 W. Rowan. “It’s absolutely out of this world.” 15004 N. Lowe Road, Mead. There are “5,000 lights on the house, lighted figurines in the yard, a Nativity scene with a star, lollypop and Christmas figures lighted and animated figures on the roof that are moving.” Another caller: “They have a sleigh on the roof of the house with an exasperated Santa looking on as the reindeer are falling off.” 6606 N. Windsor St. There are a variety of snowmen, Santa Clauses, manger and candles - “very lovely decorations.”

Spokane, South Hill 2821 S. Thor. “Yard is absolutely beautiful.” All the trees are in red lights; toy soldiers and candy canes march up the driveway and walk to the front door. There’s Santa in a sleigh, angels, a big tree in the window and another Santa and Mrs. Claus. Southeast Blvd. and Perry, and west down 18th. More than a dozen homes are aglow, with reindeer in lights, red and white lights on trees looking like ornaments, and much more. Upper Terrace and 19th. Thousands of blue lights cover the front of the house, with hundreds of white lights in tree shapes in the yard along with a North Pole decoration. Rockwood Blvd. Houses all along the stately boulevard glimmer with lights. 1639 McCory. All the houses on the street, on old Geiger Field base housing, have decorations, lights, reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, etc. 37th and Fancher. “These people have lights everywhere. It’s the one with lots of gewgaws (plastic ducks, twirling sunflowers) in the front yard. Go to 37th and Glenrose and head east.” Sky View. “All the houses have a Christmas tree with lights on their front lawns.” Tekoa south of 37th. “The theme is candy canes. It doesn’t sound like anything special but it looks neat when you drive down the street.” 400 block of W. 21st. Nine homes glow with lights. 14th, just east of Lincoln. “A lone leafless tree has different-colored lights packed onto each branch, with the trunk pulsating. Magical.” 17th and Bernard. Seven homes all aglow, four in white lights. 200 block of W. 24th. A catamaran is completely outlined in colored lights, all the way up its mast. 2425 E. 34th Court (cul-de-sac on 34th and Altamont). “Walt Disney couldn’t have done such a good job.” A star sits in a tall pine tree with rays falling to the ground. All their trees have lights. On the roof, lights say Merry Christmas with Santa and all the reindeer. “It’s truly beautiful.” Grand and Manito Place. The mansion on the corner sports white lights along the balcony railing, a tree of lights on the roof plus wreaths of lights.

Spokane Valley 20th off University. “Whole neighborhood is decorated.” 10810 E. 20th has a beautiful array of many things, Nativity scene, Santa climbing up and down on the roof. 10806 E. 20th. Automated wooden decorations and lighting; neighbors also have automated wooden items and lighting. 4303 N. Adams Road. “I have about 8,000 Christmas lights up.” 12820 E. Maxwell. “Starting point for a whole neighborhood of beautiful homes with lots of lights and it’s a quiet street and you might see Santa Claus handing out candy canes.” 519 S. McDonald. With over 7,000 lights, “lots of people stop by.” 5515 N. Reese Court. A large Christmas tree on top of the house is made completely of lights. Also, lights surround the house with a snowman in front. 810 and 812 S. Robin Hood, in Sherwood Forest, Dishman Mica and Eighth. More than 400 white lights everywhere. 1722 S. Bettman Road. Under the theme “Generally Christmas,” there are some 30,000 lights to go with a Toyland display and a Nativity display. Seminole off McDonald. It has a Ferris wheel and a helicopter with Santa in it. “Pretty cool.” 4403 N. Ely Road. Lights on pine trees and everywhere, Walt Disney characters - “absolutely gorgeous.” 15406 E. Broadway, Veradale. “Christmas lights, come see.” 18916 E. Groom Circle, Greenacres. Santa Claus, snowman, angel, Merry Christmas sign, pine trees in white decorations. 824 N. Pierce Road. Lights on the tree and house with a star on the roof. “Very lovely display of lights.” 14822 E. Belle Terra. “Lit up with Santa on the roof with reindeer, icicles, manger, snowman scene, nutcrackers, lollipops and the whole works.” 3802 S. Union. “Theme is Christmas plus honoring our boys in Bosnia.” 4213 N. Best. Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, star and numerous other things.

Outside Spokane 408 Irene Place, Cheney. It has wooden soldiers, snowmen, Santa Clauses, sleighs, reindeer, lights everywhere - “prettiest house on the block.” 110 N. Eighth, Cheney. Lights everywhere, some in designs, mountain scenery and a bell. “Go down the whole block and the street is pretty well lit up.” West end of Reardan, west of Spokane. “Two houses are exceptional,” with cut-outs, lots of colors, lots of things taking place. Sunset and St. John. “There are 10 occupied houses in Sunset; eight are totally lit up. The whole town of St. John, the city is all lit.” Highway 2 in Reardan on the way to Davenport, the last two houses as you’re leaving Reardan heading to Davenport, on the left side. Multiple displays, Nativity scene, Santa with a sleigh and reindeer, elves, snowmen - “wonderful lights, great to see at night.” Coeur d’Alene 2496 E. Hanley. Lights on about 70 bushes and trees, a 30-foot sleigh with Santa and his reindeer, and a 30-foot train set made out of tinsel that lights up the driveway. 3700 blocks of N. 21st and 22nd streets. “The scene is a ‘Winter Wonderland’ and has lighted trees and homes.” 21st off Thomas Lane. A Winter Wonderland, every house in the neighborhood is decorated with at least a tree of lights in the front yard, but most are lavishly decorated. It’s quite a sight.” 2440 Grandview Drive, Hayden View estates. A definite “don’t miss” - something out of “It’s a Small World.” Northeast corner of Pennsylvania and 16th. “Santa’s sleigh comes out of the trees, lights - the whole works. Definitely up there in the must sees.” Coeur d’Alene Golf Course neighborhood, just south of Kathleen and west of Ramsey. “There must be a neighborhood competition going on because every house is lit to the max. It’s a wonder there’s any power left there.” The Victorian homes on Foster Avenue between Fourth and Seventh. “Neat old homes beautifully decorated. It’s worth driving down twice to see both sides.” Northwest corner of Foster and Government Way. “The woman starts decorating in October, covers her old house, porch, gazebo. Truly a labor of love.”

North Idaho Priest River, east on Settlement Road. “It’s back up in the hills and you can’t see it from the highway. It’s totally decorated inside and outside. They welcome visitors, no charge. They do it for fun and dress as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus until Christmas Eve.” W3478 Hayden Ave., Rathdrum. “It’s a very complete decoration of soldiers, candles, carrousel, trees, snowmen, Nativity - house and shop are decorated.” 5076 E. Heather Lane, Post Falls in the Royal Highlands. “Decorations are all icicles.” Priest River, west side by Kaniksu. House has “over 100,000 lights, has two dollhouses with bears, trains, a lot of animation, it’s inside and outside. Never seen anything like it in my life.” Isobel Lane, Kingston. Iron silhouettes of wolves howling at the moon, elk and six large dinosaurs, all lighted.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Lights for sore eyes Here is the list of decorated homes that readers called in and described: Spokane, North Side 2904 W. Central Ave. “Front and back yards are totally Christmas decorated as well as the house; it’s totally magical.” 7020 N. Calispel. Lights all around the house, garage, trees and yard, with Santa and his sleigh on the roof, a Nativity scene, soldiers, candy canes, snowmen and more. 1014 E. Hoffman. “Has tons of lights everywhere - everything is covered with lights.” 4214 W. Sutherlin Place. “The house is so bright it glows.” There’s a life-sized snowman in the front yard, a teeter totter, Ferris wheel and more. 4221 N. Lidgerwood. Giant peace sign in white lights at night, green garland during the day. “You could land an airplane from all the light it gives out.” 2505 Garfield. A train spans a long way. “Very nicely decorated house.” 412 E. Rich. “Have a Mooey Christmas” describes these decorations. 819 W. Holyoke Ave. Simple blue decorations with a beautiful tree in the window. 2607 W. Rockwell. A sailboat with the mast covered with green lights sits in the front yard. 1917 E. Sharp. A simple light display covering the whole house, eaves, chimney, etc. 307 W. Cleveland. Lights everywhere with Santa and a snowman in the yard. 1323 E. Walton. “Mostly homemade decorations outside of the house and along the fence line.” 2904 E. Liberty. All decorations in mini white lights. “Very pretty corner house.” 3930 S.E. 8th Court. “Decorations are many swags over windows and doors with lights and a lot of red bows.” 4800 block of Princeton Place (two blocks south of Albi Stadium). “Looks pretty nice.” 6308 E. Pinta. In this 35-piece Nativity scene, some of the characters are 4-feet tall. 617 W. Alice Ave. The entire front of the house, down one side and a couple of trees are lighted, and there’s a scene with little Jesus and animals. 9823 N. Andrew. “Many, many lights.” 2233 W. Rowan. “It’s absolutely out of this world.” 15004 N. Lowe Road, Mead. There are “5,000 lights on the house, lighted figurines in the yard, a Nativity scene with a star, lollypop and Christmas figures lighted and animated figures on the roof that are moving.” Another caller: “They have a sleigh on the roof of the house with an exasperated Santa looking on as the reindeer are falling off.” 6606 N. Windsor St. There are a variety of snowmen, Santa Clauses, manger and candles - “very lovely decorations.”

Spokane, South Hill 2821 S. Thor. “Yard is absolutely beautiful.” All the trees are in red lights; toy soldiers and candy canes march up the driveway and walk to the front door. There’s Santa in a sleigh, angels, a big tree in the window and another Santa and Mrs. Claus. Southeast Blvd. and Perry, and west down 18th. More than a dozen homes are aglow, with reindeer in lights, red and white lights on trees looking like ornaments, and much more. Upper Terrace and 19th. Thousands of blue lights cover the front of the house, with hundreds of white lights in tree shapes in the yard along with a North Pole decoration. Rockwood Blvd. Houses all along the stately boulevard glimmer with lights. 1639 McCory. All the houses on the street, on old Geiger Field base housing, have decorations, lights, reindeer, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, etc. 37th and Fancher. “These people have lights everywhere. It’s the one with lots of gewgaws (plastic ducks, twirling sunflowers) in the front yard. Go to 37th and Glenrose and head east.” Sky View. “All the houses have a Christmas tree with lights on their front lawns.” Tekoa south of 37th. “The theme is candy canes. It doesn’t sound like anything special but it looks neat when you drive down the street.” 400 block of W. 21st. Nine homes glow with lights. 14th, just east of Lincoln. “A lone leafless tree has different-colored lights packed onto each branch, with the trunk pulsating. Magical.” 17th and Bernard. Seven homes all aglow, four in white lights. 200 block of W. 24th. A catamaran is completely outlined in colored lights, all the way up its mast. 2425 E. 34th Court (cul-de-sac on 34th and Altamont). “Walt Disney couldn’t have done such a good job.” A star sits in a tall pine tree with rays falling to the ground. All their trees have lights. On the roof, lights say Merry Christmas with Santa and all the reindeer. “It’s truly beautiful.” Grand and Manito Place. The mansion on the corner sports white lights along the balcony railing, a tree of lights on the roof plus wreaths of lights.

Spokane Valley 20th off University. “Whole neighborhood is decorated.” 10810 E. 20th has a beautiful array of many things, Nativity scene, Santa climbing up and down on the roof. 10806 E. 20th. Automated wooden decorations and lighting; neighbors also have automated wooden items and lighting. 4303 N. Adams Road. “I have about 8,000 Christmas lights up.” 12820 E. Maxwell. “Starting point for a whole neighborhood of beautiful homes with lots of lights and it’s a quiet street and you might see Santa Claus handing out candy canes.” 519 S. McDonald. With over 7,000 lights, “lots of people stop by.” 5515 N. Reese Court. A large Christmas tree on top of the house is made completely of lights. Also, lights surround the house with a snowman in front. 810 and 812 S. Robin Hood, in Sherwood Forest, Dishman Mica and Eighth. More than 400 white lights everywhere. 1722 S. Bettman Road. Under the theme “Generally Christmas,” there are some 30,000 lights to go with a Toyland display and a Nativity display. Seminole off McDonald. It has a Ferris wheel and a helicopter with Santa in it. “Pretty cool.” 4403 N. Ely Road. Lights on pine trees and everywhere, Walt Disney characters - “absolutely gorgeous.” 15406 E. Broadway, Veradale. “Christmas lights, come see.” 18916 E. Groom Circle, Greenacres. Santa Claus, snowman, angel, Merry Christmas sign, pine trees in white decorations. 824 N. Pierce Road. Lights on the tree and house with a star on the roof. “Very lovely display of lights.” 14822 E. Belle Terra. “Lit up with Santa on the roof with reindeer, icicles, manger, snowman scene, nutcrackers, lollipops and the whole works.” 3802 S. Union. “Theme is Christmas plus honoring our boys in Bosnia.” 4213 N. Best. Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, star and numerous other things.

Outside Spokane 408 Irene Place, Cheney. It has wooden soldiers, snowmen, Santa Clauses, sleighs, reindeer, lights everywhere - “prettiest house on the block.” 110 N. Eighth, Cheney. Lights everywhere, some in designs, mountain scenery and a bell. “Go down the whole block and the street is pretty well lit up.” West end of Reardan, west of Spokane. “Two houses are exceptional,” with cut-outs, lots of colors, lots of things taking place. Sunset and St. John. “There are 10 occupied houses in Sunset; eight are totally lit up. The whole town of St. John, the city is all lit.” Highway 2 in Reardan on the way to Davenport, the last two houses as you’re leaving Reardan heading to Davenport, on the left side. Multiple displays, Nativity scene, Santa with a sleigh and reindeer, elves, snowmen - “wonderful lights, great to see at night.” Coeur d’Alene 2496 E. Hanley. Lights on about 70 bushes and trees, a 30-foot sleigh with Santa and his reindeer, and a 30-foot train set made out of tinsel that lights up the driveway. 3700 blocks of N. 21st and 22nd streets. “The scene is a ‘Winter Wonderland’ and has lighted trees and homes.” 21st off Thomas Lane. A Winter Wonderland, every house in the neighborhood is decorated with at least a tree of lights in the front yard, but most are lavishly decorated. It’s quite a sight.” 2440 Grandview Drive, Hayden View estates. A definite “don’t miss” - something out of “It’s a Small World.” Northeast corner of Pennsylvania and 16th. “Santa’s sleigh comes out of the trees, lights - the whole works. Definitely up there in the must sees.” Coeur d’Alene Golf Course neighborhood, just south of Kathleen and west of Ramsey. “There must be a neighborhood competition going on because every house is lit to the max. It’s a wonder there’s any power left there.” The Victorian homes on Foster Avenue between Fourth and Seventh. “Neat old homes beautifully decorated. It’s worth driving down twice to see both sides.” Northwest corner of Foster and Government Way. “The woman starts decorating in October, covers her old house, porch, gazebo. Truly a labor of love.”

North Idaho Priest River, east on Settlement Road. “It’s back up in the hills and you can’t see it from the highway. It’s totally decorated inside and outside. They welcome visitors, no charge. They do it for fun and dress as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus until Christmas Eve.” W3478 Hayden Ave., Rathdrum. “It’s a very complete decoration of soldiers, candles, carrousel, trees, snowmen, Nativity - house and shop are decorated.” 5076 E. Heather Lane, Post Falls in the Royal Highlands. “Decorations are all icicles.” Priest River, west side by Kaniksu. House has “over 100,000 lights, has two dollhouses with bears, trains, a lot of animation, it’s inside and outside. Never seen anything like it in my life.” Isobel Lane, Kingston. Iron silhouettes of wolves howling at the moon, elk and six large dinosaurs, all lighted.