By Linda Feagler
When newlyweds Diane and Bill McVicker moved into their home on Seabury Avenue in Fairview Park in 1993, they wanted to celebrate their first holiday season together in a special way.
The couple decorated the front lawn with a pair of 4-foot tall, lighted Mr. and Mrs. Snowman figures Bill crafted out of wood and designed so they waved to passersby. Two pint-sized versions were added in 1998 and 2000, after their son Andrew and daughter Claire were born.
What began as a cheerful, but simple, holiday tradition 27 years ago has evolved into Sidewalk Garland Lights, an annual half-mile winter wonderland extravaganza of color that begins on Seabury and West 220th Street Thanksgiving weekend and ends New Year’s Day.
Tunnel Vision
“The idea for the display began organically,” Bill says. “I have fond memories of the decorations my grandfather built for the holiday season — which included a lighted windmill and an animated eagle. So every year, I put something new in the yard to honor him. In 2010, one of the decorations I added was a sidewalk garland. I began thinking, how great it would look if our neighbors put them up, too.”
Much to his delight, increasing numbers of residents followed the family’s lead through the seasons. As of last year, 70 houses on Seabury have joined the celebration, and 900 homes throughout Fairview Park have also created displays, which add to the fun. The couple buys the needed supplies in bulk and sells them at cost to residents.
Bill estimates that 175,000 lights keep the 900 garlands gracing the sidewalks, the 30 arches lining the streets and the 20 twinkling snowflake and snowman motifs adorning yards aglow.
Last season, the couple added a 30-foot-long tunnel lit by 5,000 white lights to their yard, which proved to be a romantic spot for a Christmastime marriage proposal.
After strolling through the light show, visitors are invited to stop by the Elf Tent for hot chocolate, cider, a batch of Diane’s “magic reindeer food;” and a meet-and-greet with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Although admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted. Last year, $1,100 in proceeds was donated to the Fairview Park Hunger Center.
Fairview Park residents aren’t the only ones who enjoy their town’s yuletide cheer. Tourists from around the state have made Seabury’s holiday tradition their own.
On a snowy night two years ago, when Bill’s mother Sandy was visiting from Buffalo, she counted 800 cars slowing down to allow occupants to admire the display.
“We see people from all walks of life and all circumstances,” Bill says. “Many are looking for a family-friendly event that is free. It is a wonderful experience to meet so many people.”
On the Fairview Park Holiday Lights Facebook page, Bill and Diane provide updates about their neighborhood’s annual display.
“We never thought it would grow into something this big,” Diane says. “Seeing the children’s faces and their eyes light up warms your heart.”
Need More?
Don’t miss these annual light displays that are sure to make your season merry and bright.
- Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo features a dazzling light show with a 50-foot tree, walk-through and drive-through displays, carousel rides, ice carvers and live music performed by local choirs. Guests can visit Santa in his workshop and pose for photos. For more information, visit futureforwildlife.org.
- For the 96th year, Nela Park in East Cleveland — world headquarters of GE Lighting — presents its annual holiday display with more than 500,000 LED lights, a giant gingerbread house and eight colorful vignettes. Visitors are invited to take festive, personalized pictures at the selfie station to share with friends and family. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/GELighting/
- The historic manor house at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron is filled with good cheer during Deck the Hall. This year’s theme, “A Very Merry Christmas,” features 14 rooms decorated with nutcrackers, snowmen and playful elves. The towering Christmas tree in the courtyard casts a cheery glow as do the gardens with one million holiday lights. Santa hosts socially-distanced visits in Rudolph’s Corral, and refreshments, including hot gingerbread, are available. For more information, visit stanhywet.org.
- Lorain County Metro Parks celebrates the magic of the season with Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, featuring lighted trees, penguins and Santa’s Castle as seen during a mile-long drive from your vehicle. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Lights on the Lake drive-through at Lorain’s Lakeview Park, highlights classic holiday scenes, along with thousands of twinkling lights spanning the 26-acre park. For more information, visit loraincountymetroparks.com.
Photo of the McVickers by Marie Elium
