Placed a pre-sale order with DIYLEDExpress to restock supplies.  Also found a good deal from a local big box store on cords.  Really want to lock down plans for 2019 so can start in on it as soon as possible!

Boy does the holiday season go by fast! Setup took longer, and was harder to do because of the weather.  We never got a chance to add any new songs this year, and barely able to program in the new LED mega tree and pixel tree.  Had to make repairs a few times to pixel nodes that were faulting up on the roof line, which especially sucks when its cold, windy and rainy.  The wind blew down reindeer at times, and strong gusts even tipped over the creche display!  Luckily all the trees were anchored down good enough and stood their ground. 

We appreciate the kind words many of you have shared with us for doing the display.  Putting smiles on people's faces is why we do it!!

Planning for next year, we are probably looking to do less, or at least easier setup/takedown props.  Got a good deal on new white LED strings on after-season clearance to replace the failing ones that do the perimeter fence.  Got a few more heavy duty bins for storage, as well as Husky heavy duty shelving units that were on sale at Home Depot!  Thinking of attending the Christmas Expo this July in Daytona Beach this year to learn a thing or two and connect with some other great lighting enthusiasts. 

Excited to start planning for next year!!

Feeling blessed that we were able to add this Creche (Nativity Scene) to our display.  Big thanks to Handy D for building the enclosure.  Sorry for the glare...Mary really does have a face!  #keepingchristinchristmas

We are currently running last year's show while we prepare some new songs and program in our newest props.

We have 95% of the equipment set up and hope to have a show going by December 1st.  There will be computer program testing in the meanwhile and maybe last year's show for now.  We are excited to get to it and put smiles on everyone's faces!!

We are trying our best to put the display together, but mother nature isn't making it easy!!  It's been a rather wet and rainy fall, including gusty wind days.  We will pass along any updates as they come along.

The ad spoke of a trampoline.   What I saw was a mega tree base.  Thanks Jessica of Webster, NY!!

Met with Greg in Brewerton, NY over the weekend to buy a mega tree hook head from him.  He's got quite the setup over there with big plans this coming year.  We talked a little bit about organizing a mini sometime.  I will have to try to stop by and see his show this year!!

Lots to do in the off-season (not in order): Make any repairs.  Luckily this year its just a couple pixels that went bad that need to be cut and new ones spliced in.  Store the hardware.  Upgraded to tough totes for durable storage and stacking.  Also, some more hooks and sliding props in basement ceiling rafters.  Pre-sale orders and after christmas sales.  Order from DIYLEDExpress to replenish spare pixel nodes, power supplies, and enough new bullet nodes for a pixel mega tree.  Hit up a few local hardware stores for a few good deals on LED lights. Nativity statue.  Cause ribbon with matrix.  Planning for next year. Where to put a new pixel mega tree.  How to make the display more interactive with input triggers and background animation sequences.  Stay with LOR S4 software or upgrade to S5.  Better layout of the LED lights and reindeer.  Addition of user-controlled radio/speaker.  Offload surplus gear. Determine if all 6 AC controllers will be necessary.  Keep the deer or trash the deer? Sell off unused store bought LED light sets.  Network with local enthusiasts.  Organize a mini?  Promote the facebook group page.