"Over the years when we started (decorating), we would see parents with little kids come out, and now those kids are adults and they stop by and bring their own kids," said Michael Scanzaroli, when describing the many visitors that the family's enormous Christmas display has attracted over the past 37 years. "We've seen a lot of kids grow up. It's been great."
The home of Michael and Donna Scanzaroli was the 2021 winner in the Residential/Lawn category of "Deck the Brook," a holiday decorating contest presented annually by the Honey Brook Community Partnership (HBCP).
The Scanzarolis have taken part in the contest for five years, and this is their third win. Other winners include Jeff and Wendi Chapman, Residential Door; Franklin Fiorentino, Fan Favorite; Dan Brooks, Honorable Mention; and Brandywine Martial Arts Academy, Business Site.
The holiday display at the Scanzaroli home, which takes up about one acre on the family's front yard, includes numerous Christmas lights and Christmas trees, figurines, a Nativity scene, a miniature carousel and more.
"When we started 30-some years ago, (we decorated) just the house," said Michael. "We've gotten bigger every year. We got a shed and had a garage built and so we added lights (to them). We added more pathways, lights on the trees and lighted archways."
Characters in the display include the Grinch, who is stationed on top of the garage. "We have blowups like Winnie the Pooh and a snowman," noted Michael. "We have Santa Claus on a runway with runway lights. There is so much to see."
On the front porch there are cutouts of Christmas carolers. "Christmas music plays where the carolers are," Michael pointed out. "We have a basket at the end of our driveway full of candy canes for people coming by (to take)."
Additionally, Michael portrays Santa Claus each year and children stop by to see the display and meet Santa. "On the Saturday before Christmas, I set up as Santa Claus and people stop by with their kids and I give them (small gifts) and we have hot chocolate and cookies," he said. "I enjoy it; it's all about the kids."
Several years ago, Michael changed the lights in the display from traditional bulbs to LED lights, which brought down the cost of the family's electric bill. "LED lights last longer, and we don't have to change bulbs like we used to," he noted.
Through the years, visitors have shared how much they have enjoyed the display. "Some people leave us cards (saying) they are thankful they came by; it made them feel great," said Michael. "Back when we used the old bulbs, people would leave us replacement bulbs."
He said that 2021 marked the last time for the giant light display since the family is planning on downsizing in 2022. "We are glad we won the contest because we wanted to go out with a bang," Michael said.
For more information about the contest and the winners, visit http://www.hbpartnership.org.
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