No Grinch yet: Campton Hills comes to holiday light compromise
After weeks of hand-wringing and invocations of "Grinch" and "Scrooge," Campton Hills leaders arrived at a compromise Tuesday night so drivers can view an award-winning holiday light show while ensuring traffic moves smoothly.
Brian Larsen of the Larsen's Light Show will pay off-duty sheriff's deputies to direct traffic along Anderson and Beith Roads on weekends in November and December, and the village has backed off a proposal to ban vehicles from slowing, stopping or parking along those two roads or face a $75 ticket from police.
"I'm glad it's moving forward and I hope that this makes everyone enjoy the show more," said Larsen, whose family won a reality TV show in 2013 called "The Great Christmas Light Fight" with a computerized display of more than 1 million lights, after the meeting.
Larsen's home on Beith Road was annexed from Elburn into Campton Hills several years ago and village officials worried an ambulance or firetruck would not be able to traverse the two-lane roads, which have no shoulders, in case of emergency.
Larsen shortened the show to 20 minutes and deputies will usher cars in and out of a 50-space lot in front of Larsen's home and coordinate westbound traffic on Anderson.
"Thank you for acknowledging that public safety is No. 1," said Trustee Mike Tyrrell.
But other trustees worried that traffic could back up on weeknights and want to meet again with Larsen after Dec. 3.
"Just plan ahead. That's all I'm saying," said Trustee Laura Anderson, warning an emergency could occur in Larsen's parking lot.
Larsen started a campaign on gofundme.com Saturday seeking donations to help pay for traffic control. By Tuesday, people had donated more than $5,800.
While telling his story, Larsen acknowledged his show increases traffic but said he wanted to ensure families could still enjoy a holiday tradition.
"The village claims that the traffic during the light show causes safety concerns and initially they requested that we NOT do the light show at all this year," Larsen wrote.
The show runs from Nov. 24. through Jan. 2. Hours are from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. For more information, visit larsenslightshow.com