What do C3PO, the Grinch, and Mickey Mouse have in common? They can all be found in the enormous Christmas display currently set up on Glenpatrick Court in Cochrane.
What do C3PO, the Grinch, and Mickey Mouse have in common? They can all be found in the enormous Christmas display currently set up on Glenpatrick Court in Cochrane.
For the past seven years, four sets of neighbours within the cul-de-sac have banded together on Halloween and Christmas to create a large visual display on their front lawns.
All four houses have been decorating separately for a number of years, but in 2008 they made a point to combine all of their displays together.
For Laurie and Larry Moore, owners of one of the houses participating in the display, it started as a friendly competition with Chris and Cindy Faupel, their neighbours also taking part.
“Every time I (went) and bought (a new decoration) they'd come over and tell me to stop buying stuff because they couldn't keep up, ” said Laurie.
With Chris, decorating his yard is more of a family tradition.
“I really do it to honour my dad, because that's how I was brought up with decorating all the time, ” said Chris.
For Diane and Brian Low, who also take part in the display, decorating their house is a long-standing tradition dating back over 30 years.
“(Starting in) 1980, TransAlta had a light decorating contest and we (along with our former neighbours) won it five years in a row, ” said Diane.
The last group participating in the display are the Sampsons.
The display features a variety of different colors, parts, and characters.
It is so brightly lit, one of the street lamps in the cul-de-sac doesn't turn on until the display is shut off.
This year they are adding to the tradition; the group is asking people to stop by and check out the display and make a donation to the local food bank.
A hamper will be set out each night on the Moore's lawn, 4 Glenpatrick Court, for non-perishable food items.
“I'd like to collect enough food (to feed) at least five families, ” said Laurie, who originally came up with the idea to collect donations.
The Moores' house will be open for anyone looking to make a cash donation as well.
The display will be on every night from about 5-10 p.m. and will run into the new year.
“I just want to give back, ” said Laurie.
