Holiday Lights Contest winner from Algonquin keeps family tradition alive
When Dante Fiandaca was a young teen, his mother bought a plastic Santa Claus with two reindeer to include in their holiday lights display.
Decking out their home was a tradition for Fiandaca's family. His father would string the lights, and his mother, the creative eye, always had a knack for finding the right pieces to add.
The Santa Claus decoration was a hit, Fiandaca said, but there was something missing. Caught up in the love of decorating, Fiandaca begged his parents each year to buy a couple more reindeer until they were able to collect all nine.
That same Santa Claus set has become an integral part of Fiandaca's own elaborate holiday light display that won over Daily Herald readers, who voted his Algonquin home at 6 Grayhawk Court the winner of this year's Holiday Lights Contest.
"It's kind of a sickness I inherited," said Fiandaca, who started decorating his first Algonquin home 20 years ago.
At the time, Fiandaca knew his display had reached its limit when the number of regular light bulbs he used blew a fuse. But since he switched to LED lights, his design has grown to more than 19,000 lights and 50 separate pieces.
"There's nothing stopping me from putting more and more lights out there," he said, noting that it takes two full weekends to complete the decorating.
As the grand prize winner, Fiandaca will receive a Toro Power Clear 721 OZE snowblower.
Fiandaca said he couldn't have done it alone. Hoping to pass on the tradition, he has introduced his three kids to the festivities by letting them design the display.
"My children are getting older, so I decided to let them take the reins," he said.
Thirteen-year-old Jackie came up with the layout of the lights. The feature she's most proud of is the string of lights in the shape of a Christmas tree in front of the house - the centerpiece of the display.
"I always enjoy decorating the house," she said. "It's always been one of my favorite parts of Christmas - setting everything up with my family. I love having that tradition."
Last year, 14-year-old Dante Jr., organized the display; next year, it'll be 12-year-old Johnny.
"He's thinking about what he wants to do already," Jackie said.
Fiandaca's wife, Sherry Fiandaca, also steps in to help decorate, replace broken pieces and "keep us functioning," he added.
Driving past their house during the holiday season has become a tradition for some of Fiandaca's neighbors, relatives and friends. "It makes me feel good that people in the neighborhood enjoy it as well," he said.
But the best part is getting to share the joy with his family.
"I love that they're all out there with me," he said. "That's one of the best things ever. I get to spend time with my kids - my family - and have them enjoy the spirit of Christmas."
In addition to a grand prize winner, five other homes were chosen in the Daily Herald's Editor's Choice awards: Greg Mulcahy, 1415 Sauk Lane, Mount Prospect; Dennis Durszynski, 312 Spruce Ave., Bensenville; Bruce and Joyce Papiech, 39W641 Bealer Circle, Geneva; Joe Junia, 35 Carlisle Road, Hawthorn Woods; and Michael Angel, 2195 South St., Elgin.
Each winner will receive a $100 gift card to Lurvey's Garden Center in Des Plaines.
Additionally, voters were entered into a random drawing; online voter and Batavia resident Dale Evensen won a Toro Power Clear 518 ZE snowblower.
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Q&A with Dante Fiandaca at 6 Grayhawk Ct. in Algonquin.
Q: How long have you been decorating your house like this?
A: At least 20 years. It gets bigger every year. We have about 19,000 lights and 45 characters. I have the Santa and reindeer that I grew up with. Every year I would ask my parents for more plastic reindeer.
Q: What inspired you to go all out with your decorations?
A: My parents always decorated the house when I was growing up. I learned from my dad. He is 80 now and still hanging lights at his house. I think it's a sickness. We always stop traffic. Last year Dante Jr. designed the layout. This year Jackie did it and next year is Johnny's turn.
Q: How many hours does it take to put up the display?
A: Two full weekends of 12 hour days.
Q: How much does your electric bill spike in December?
A: Only about 30 percent. It's mostly LED lights.
Q: What do your neighbors think of your display?
A: They like it. They decorate too.