There’s a wonderland in Port Stanley again this year. Thousands have seen it, many making repeat visits. For a first-timer, the 291 Selbourne Drive Port Stanley Christmas Lights are truly oooohhh-inspiring. You may find your mouth dropping open as you enter the back yard, and then perhaps you will be able to settle into a smiling sense of wonder.
Raymie Jewell and Dennis Taylor had expanded their Christmas light display over several years. With a growing number of admirers, they began three years ago to invite the public to tour both front and back yards, without charge, but suggesting a donation to The Make A Wish Foundation or the local food bank.
Dennis takes his electrical know-how (he works as an electrician) to new creative heights with his light artistry, adding more effects and displays each year. He often orders direct from the manufacturer or builds his own elements to add to the design. They are moved, re-worked and adjusted as the display grows.
Raymie laughs, the ultra-bright lights that illuminate the tallest trees at the back of their yard were intended for use closer to the ground, but they turned out to be so brilliant, their only possible role was in being directed straight upwards. They give the sensation that the far-reaching wonderland goes on forever.
Raymie laughs, the ultra-bright lights that illuminate the tallest trees at the back of their yard were intended for use closer to the ground, but they turned out to be so brilliant, their only possible role was in being directed straight upwards. They give the sensation that the far-reaching wonderland goes on forever.
Dennis no sooner gets the year’s display ready, and flips the switch on opening night, than he starts dreaming up additions (and picking up lights on sale) for the next year. He must dream in technicolour. This years’s display has reached the 65,000 light mark.
Having extended an open invitation to share their property every evening starting November 30, Dennis and Raymie are appreciative of the band of volunteers from the neighbourhood and from the Make A Wish Foundation who have become an important part of operating the display.
Having extended an open invitation to share their property every evening starting November 30, Dennis and Raymie are appreciative of the band of volunteers from the neighbourhood and from the Make A Wish Foundation who have become an important part of operating the display.
Above: Vince & Moira Nash from Make A Wish Foundation, volunteer Cathy Crane, Dennis Taylor and Raymie Jewell.
This past Saturday, 328 people strolled the property. Christmas Eve is usually the busiest – 500 people stopped in last year.
We have included some photos in the slideshow below, 'cause the lights just invite picture-taking, but they certainly can’t capture the effect of the real thing.
We have included some photos in the slideshow below, 'cause the lights just invite picture-taking, but they certainly can’t capture the effect of the real thing.
Dennis and Raymie's property is available to the public Monday to Thursday 6pm-9pm, Fri to Sat 6pm-10pm and Sun 6pm-9pm until the end of December. Turn your car radio to 99.9 FM to hear music coordinated with the lights. 291 Selbourne Dr is behind Foodland, 1 block off Colbourne St. Find out more and like their facebook page (Port Stanley Christmas Lights). Find out more about the Make a Wish Foundation at www.makeawish.ca. (It’s a lot of traffic for one back yard at a damp time of year - old shoes or boots are suggested).
RSS Feed
