Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest, Tri-Cities Editor's Choice Winner
Five Editor's Choice winners were selected in the Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest, plus an overall winner as voted on by readers.
Here is what the Tri-Cities winner, Brian Larsen, had to say about his display at 42W891 Beith Road in Elburn.
Q. How long have you been decorating your house like this?
A. 10 years.
Q. What inspired you to go all out with your decorations?
A. Family! When I was younger it was one the best times we would take the whole family, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, cousins and pile into an RV and go look at lights and carol. So back then I knew I wanted to do this for others.
Q. How many hours does it take to put up the display?
A. This year's display is all new and I merged my company, Larsen's Light Show, with Trista Lights out of Minnesota. Together we started this display in June this year.
Q. How many strings of lights are involved?
A. We now have around 600,000 pixel bulbs.
Q. How much does your electric bill spike in December?
A. About $485.
Q. What do your neighbors think of your display?
A. I think they're good neighbors for tolerating it. It's a lot of traffic for four to five weekends. I don't think they are thrilled with it - they have never sent me a Christmas card or cookies for Christmas! Good neighbors, though.