FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio — Bright lights bringing people together and spreading Christmas cheer.
What started out with just a couple of sidewalk light garlands on Seabury Avenue in Fairview Park has turned into a light show half a mile long.
And now a Christmas tradition for people in that community and beyond.
“I never saw anything like it. I never saw anything – I saw it on the news the other day and i just said i had to bring my child out here,” Ronald Brown, of Twinsburg, said.
Brown’s family joined the dozens walking and driving along Seabury Avenue on Christmas night.
Each home is decked out in countless twinkling lights.
The biggest display belongs to Bill McVicker.
“It goes back to 1953, my grandfather every year made Christmas projects every year. I took over that tradition for him when he couldn’t make something anymore. I’ve been making things ever since,” McVicker said.
Wanting to spread that Christmas cheer, back in 2012 McVicker asked his neighbors if they would be willing to put lights in their own yards.
“It went from me to us to over sixty houses on the whole street.”
“I feel like there’s new additions every year. Like everyone always tries to make it new and cool. It is really cool, I like it,” Beatrice Demaree, of Rocky River, said.
McVicker even offers hot chocolate and apple cider to those passing through.
People can also leave monetary donations for people in need.
Last year, the community was able to raise $1,000 for the Fairview Park Hunger Center – and are hoping to raise the same amount this year.
That’s part of the reason why McVicker says its important to keep the lights on year after year.
“Now that its grown, its gone beyond him, beyond me, and so its important to just keep sharing it.”
If you want see the lights, McVicker says his neighbors typically keep them on through the New Year’s holiday.
