Family helps dad continue 30 year tradition
For 30 years Ed and Darlene Greer on Wilson Avenue loved lighting up their home every year for the holidays, adding more lights and attractions each year.
“They liked to have different scenes using Santa Claus. Sometimes Santa could be seen in the chimney. One year he was falling off the roof and losing the presents. That was fun. That was a good one,” said their son Dahynin Wilden.
Due to health issues Ed wasn’t able to do it this year and so his family decided to come together with a gift of love and string the lights to host the Last Light Up on Dec. 5 sponsored by Character Express and White Water.
“Dad enjoyed lighting up his house. He usually started putting up the lights in September. He always enjoys the crowds coming by to see it. He said when the lights went on it would light up the whole street. He loves the holidays and making it exciting for everyone. We’re getting people to help with decorating this year. My Dad is particular about his lights. He’ll say, ‘You need another light over here.’ Everyone helps – uncle, sister, brother-in-law, Mom. Dad is dressing as Santa Claus. He’s still going to be Santa sitting at the front door waving at the cars,” Wilden said.
Wilden is the owner of Characters Express with access to many character costumes. He was the Grinch on the roof while other family members waved and handed out candy canes as Frosty the Snowman, an Elf, Woody from Toy Story and other characters.
“The light display was supposed to be from 7 to 8 but people were already coming by a little after 6 so I hurried and put my Grinch costume on and got up on the roof. There were well over 100 cars while I was there, but my mom said cars still drove by for a while after that,” Wilden said.
Sponsor White Water is a water hauling business owned by Dahynin’s brother Drayson Wilden. Drayson was the Elf, his son Trey was Frosty and wife, Cara handed out candy canes.
“We are usually in the Christmas parade so with it being cancelled this was a great way to celebrate the holiday,” Drayson said.
Category: People & Places
