Where could you find a Star Wars walker, Olaf from DisneyB次元官网网址檚 Frozen and an eight-foot tall Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer in one place? In Colwood of course.
With more than 140 inflatable Christmas decorations, anyone who passes 555 Girou Rd. canB次元官网网址檛 miss the glow that shines around the property.
The full light display is run by Leo and Karyn Cooper who have been growing the collection for the past 15 years. It all began with a handful of inflatables from LeoB次元官网网址檚 parents in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since then, itB次元官网网址檚 been an annual tradition for the duo to set up, maintain and take down the ever-growing line up of blow-ups, which takes Leo and Karyn around 100 hours. This year, Leo started setting up just the lights around the home in early October and the inflatables a day or two after Remembrance Day.
READ MORE: Christmas decorations a labour of love for Colwood residents
Every afternoon in December, one of them will inflate all the blow-ups, and before they head to sleep, they are all deflated once again.
B次元官网网址淚 get goosebumps when people send messages about their annual traditions of seeing our decorations,B次元官网网址� said Karyn, who is an education assistant at Wishart Elementary. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e so glad we can be a part of giving joy this year, especially with so many people losing loved ones. It raises our spirits.B次元官网网址�
After the holiday, the blow-ups are stored in a shed designated just for Christmas decorations. In years past, the duo have blown out a couple lights and breakers, but now theyB次元官网网址檝e learned to elevate their plugs above ground to avoid rain or snow from short-circuiting.
As foster parents, the couple leave a donation box at the end of their driveway, with most proceeds heading towards the South Island Foster Parent Association. A small remaining portion helps with the hydro bill, as they expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 in December alone.
The couple asks the public to wear masks and stay socially distanced when dropping by to see their home. As far as it goes for additional inflatables next year, the couple says thereB次元官网网址檚 always room for more.
The full light display runs from at 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, and from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
ALSO READ: PHOTO: Grinch arrives early for the holidays in Metchosin
Do you have a story tip? Email: vnc.editorial@blackpress.ca.
Follow us on and and like us on
