One of the families is from our area in Tinley Park. Dominic Kowalczyk is only 28, but has been decorating for 20 years and winning awards for his displays since 1996. It takes him, his girlfriend Alyssa and a handful of family/friends over 300 hours to get the display up and running each year.
How many?
About 100,000 lights, 200 figurines (many homemade), 75' tunnel of light, over a mile of extension cords, 200 Amps of electricity, the electric bill goes up about $1,600 during the season.
What kind of lights?
All kinds, our display has many traditional elements like the older C-9 style lights and Classic blow mold figurines, but it's combined with newer elements such as LED lighting and light show controllers
How difficult is it put up/take down/install?
We figure it takes about a total of 400 hours to put up the entire display. It's not that bad though because sometimes we will have as many as 15 friends and family members helping us set it all up. The bad part is taking it all down; no one wants to help with that! This year however my roommate Ryan didn't help set up anything, so he said he will help take it down. I will be cashing in on that for sure!
Why you entered the "Great Christmas Light Fight?"
Thought it would be a good way to spread the word about our display. We want as many people as possible to enjoy it, the more that find out about it the better!
Why you do this every year?
It's a great feeling to see everyone so happy when they see the display and to be able to bring holiday cheer to so many people during Christmas time. Everyone loves it whether they are 3 or 100, it puts a huge smile on their face! It is something that started 20 years ago and this is what it has grown into, now I have to keep the tradition going!
How long have you been decorating your home?
20 years
What do your family/friends/neighbors think?
They all love it; so many people come out and help set it all up! It's a great way to bring family and friends together during the holiday season. My neighbors are extremely supportive. We were on the front page of the Tribune on Saturday in an article about how some neighbors love it and some hate it. A picture of our house was chosen for the front and it talked about how our neighbors and our Mayor were extremely supportive of the display and enjoy it. I even use about 50' of one of my neighbors lawns!
