Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest Editor's Choice winner in the Fox Valley
Introducing the Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest Editor's Choice winners for 2016. Aimee Grabau at 8 Bordeaux Court in Oakwood Hills is among the winners.
Q. How long have you been decorating your house like this?
Grabau. 20 years
Q. What inspired you to go all out with your decorations?
Grabau. Our family has always enjoyed going around and looking at other displays and I wanted to bring that same type of joy to others. I love watching kids come out, and seeing the excitement on their faces makes it all worth it.
Q. How many hours does it take to put up the display?
Grabau. I start building all the figurines and setting up the items in my basement in September. This allows set up to go a lot faster. The outside set up takes between 80 and 100 hours.
Q. How many strings of lights are involved?
Grabau. We have over 60,000 lights in total.
Q. How much does your electric bill spike in December?
Grabau. Over $500.
Q. What do your neighbors think of your display?
Grabau. Most enjoy the display, but there are a few that have never commented one way or the other.