Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest Editor's Choice winner in Lake County

Introducing the Daily Herald Holiday Lights Contest Editor's Choice winners for 2016. Allie Balmes at 3679 Lee Ave. in Gurnee is among the winners. Allie entered the contest on behalf of her family and her father, Andy Harris, answered the edited questions regarding this year's presentation.

Q. How long have you been decorating your house like this?

A. We have always decorated our house with lots of lights that dance with the music. The Cubs inspired us to make a change.

Q. What inspired you to go all out with your decorations?

A. The incredible year the Cubs had inspired our theme this year. So I got together with Skylar, one of my younger twins, and said let's make a big light presentation dedicated to the Cubs.

Q. How many hours does it take to put up the display?

A. We started with the "W" on the first weekend of November. We probably put in five full days, so maybe between 40-50 hours from start to finish, putting lights up and planning how the show will work.

Q. How many strings of lights are involved?

A. To make this work we need a strand of blue, red, white and multicolor all in the same places. So I would say a total of just about 100 strands.

Q. How much does your electric bill spike in December?

A. That is to be determined. We switched to all LED this year so we don't blow any breakers and to save money.

Q. What do your neighbors think of your display?

A. We really don't know. We try and limit the hours to about four hours a night. We have had no complaints so far.