Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up? To set up everything in the yard and hook up all the extension cords takes about 6-8 weeks. Usually a couple hours each day after work and 12 hour days on the weekends. Then the 2 weeks before Thanksgiving we work 12 hours every day to get it started on the Saturday after turkey day.
How much time during the year do you work on it? We start with the sequencing on the computer in February. It takes anywhere from 3 to 4 months to do enough songs for a 60 minute show. This is working evenings and weekends. It takes anywhere from 30-40 hours for one song. From about June to September is spent working on new decorations. September to October is checking lights and last minute touches. October through Thanksgiving is set up time.
How bad is your electric bill? Many people think that it must be ENORMOUS. Actually it only goes up a couple hundred dollars for the month that the show is running. Remember although there is well over 100,000 lights, they are not on at the same time for hours like a static display. The lights are constantly fading on and off and we rarely have every light in the display on at any one time.
What do the donations go towards? Donations will go to The Retired Law Enforcement Assoc. of SWFL and others to vest K9's.
How long have you been doing this? We have always decorated with lots of lights. However, 2007 was the first year we went computerized.
What gave you the idea to do this? While watching TV one day, I (Neil) saw a beer commercial with a house that had lights synched to the music. I thought, "I wonder if I could do that?" with a little research I found out how it actually could be done and it was on from there.