The weather forecast for last night gave us some concern regarding brisk winds and blowing snow, but although it was a cold night, there was no wind, the roads were clear, and we had a very light snowfall. It turned out to be a great setting for an outside Christmas event! Had it been a little warmer it would have been a perfect night.
There was a steady flow of visitors, starting at 6:20pm, until a few minutes before 8:00pm when the event ended.
Folks came from the South as far as Arcade, from the North as far as North Tonawanda and from the Northeast as far as Rochester.
The kids kept Bruce busy, telling them jokes, and more than a few were surprised that he knew their names! There were no bubbles this year given it was a little below freezing.
All of the kids received small LED lights to take home after visiting us during this 45th year of hosting our holiday display here in Holland.
We received a few more letters to Santa that have already been addressed. My efforts now will be focused on reviewing and editing the 69 pictures that were taken of families prior to emailing them out.
For those that might not be aware, this year’s display will continue to run 6 – 10 pm through December 25th. Bruce the Spruce will still be available to chat with visitors most nights between 6 and 7pm.
As always I want to thank the volunteer team that makes this possible every year – my wife Diane who makes the hot chocolate using our “special” recipe and backs me up on my Christmas activities every year, Sandy who mans the hot chocolate table outside, Aaron and Michelle who take and log the family pictures, Addison and Andrew who are two of our characters, Kaylee who joined us this year as the third character, and Brian whose voice always entertains the kids (while he stays toasty warm inside the house!).
Diane and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the happiness this holiday season has to offer. We look forward to seeing many of you again next year.