Christmas decorations brighten holiday season

Anyone who has had to troubleshoot a sketchy set of Christmas lights should sympathize with the Town of Gardnerville.

Public Works Superintendent Geoff LaCost was in the bucket truck working on the big tree lights in Heritage Park on Thursday night after the display failed to work.

A computer controlling the Heritage Park light show glitched out, but Town Manager Erik Nilssen was confident that daylight and elbow grease should put the show in working order.

Minden residents Kevin and Sandra Bailey’s light and music show was running on Thursday.

The Baileys, who live at 1115 Montecito, welcome visitors, but ask them to be respectful of their neighborhood. They are also conducting a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Gardnerville resident Linda Rigdon encouraged visitors to drive by her display at 1375 Waterloo Lane.

“I love it when people drive by to see the lights,” she said.

Topaz Ranch Estates residents are enjoying Apalo Insell’s display on Hematite Court, according to neighbor Madeline Hollstrom.

“They have an amazing light show happening,” she said on Thursday. “It’s gorgeous.”

While the traditional fanfare surrounding the lighting of the town facilities has been cancelled that didn’t stop them from flicking the switch.

Minden was scheduled to turn on the gazebo lights 6 p.m. Friday in recognition of long tradition.

Both Minden and Gardnerville have installed the Christmas lights on their light poles in downtown along Highway 395.

Willow Bill’s reindeer, lit for the season, are grazing along the main drag and businesses are decked out in their illuminated finery.

Tonight, the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce will be conducting a decorating contest in lieu of the Parade of Lights.

Instead of one tree lighting, Genoa Town Manager JT Chevallier suggested people enjoy two dozen between now and Christmas.

Chevallier said that he has set the timer for the lights at 6 p.m. and programmed the town’s carillon bells to play Christmas carols.

To donate to the Bailey’s cause, visit https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2885

Anyone who would like to be included in the list of Christmas displays should email editor@recordcourier.com with their name and address.