NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
Jenny Robinson adjusts the lights on one of the many Christmas light displays at her home in Dunmore on Nov. 20, 2019. Starting Nov. 30 the display will be switched on complete with animation synchronized to music and broadcast through a FM transmitter.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A Dunmore resident is not only making her Christmas light display worth your drive out to Dunmore to see, but donations are going to the Ronald McDonald House, too.
“Christmas has always been one of the most cherished things in our family,” said Jenny Robinson, who now wants to pass on the wonder of Christmas to the general public as well.
This is no ordinary Christmas light display. There are about 20,000 lights that have been collected over the past six years or so. A computer-based program is used to sequence songs to the flashing of lights and this is broadcast through an FM transmitter. Robinson says it means people can sit in the warmth of their vehicles and enjoy the display while listening to the music.
The collection of lights has been acquired from garage sales, advertisements on Facebook and the annual sales after Christmas.
The Christmas tree display made its way here all the way from Quebec where someone was selling a collection. From a pinnacle there are white tubes cascading to the ground that are well anchored in the soil. Not only do the white tubes pulse lights but an animated image is projected on to the tubes.
Robinson whips out her phone and shows one of the animations they will be using – Father Christmas in a sleigh with the reindeer whipping around the tree.
The tree has 900 lights and each of the lights is individually programmed.
A specially made donation box will be on site for people to make a donation. Robinson says all donations will be given to the Ronald McDonald House that will soon be opening in Medicine Hat.
Robinson has children who have had to go to Calgary for medical treatment and she says she understands the value and comfort of a Ronald McDonald House.
“I’m so grateful we are getting one here,” said Robinson.
Perhaps you love outdoor Christmas lights at your own home but just wish you did not have to put them up. Robinson has a solution. She and her son will install your lights for you in return for a donation that will go to the Medicine Hat Ronald McDonald House. All you have to do is contact her via Facebook, she says.
The full 20,000 lights and animated display is at 510 Third Ave., Dunmore will switched on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 30 and continue until Jan. 2.
