News

Handing down a tradition

Photos

Jeff Schmucker
Published: December 2, 2012

BROOKSVILLE - For years, John Neuman's property was the sight to see around December, with thousands of Christmas lights spanning 2.5 acres that drew hundreds of spectators each year.

Then last year, the lights went out.

Neuman said the time and energy spent putting up the Christmas light displays became too much and decided that rather then spend almost two months working on the side project, he would take a break.

"I used to start working the last weekend in October until Thanksgiving," Neuman said. "From sun up to sundown I'd be working on this and every year I'd add something different. People don't realize how much work really goes into this."

But after a year, Neuman found himself back to rigging timers and tying lights around shapes portraying trains, reindeer and other holiday images — this time at the Hernando County Fairgrounds.

After so many voiced disappointment at the lack of a Christmas light display, Neuman said he and his wife, Kay, agreed to help the fairground put on the Candy Cane Acres light display, which will be ongoing from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 29.

Sandra Nicholson, president of the Hernando County Fair Association, said unlike prior years, attendees can walk through the fairgrounds looking at light displays or be pulled by a tractor around the grounds to take in the sights. The weekend event also offers children's games, cookie and craft decorating and a chance to sit on Santa's lap.

Prior to the opening night Friday, fair board members and volunteers spent days decorating Christmas trees and turning part of the fairgrounds into more of a winter wonderland — in Florida.

And through it all, Neuman and his wife were there to once again see that when the sun goes down each Friday and Saturday, that the Christmas lights are shining. At least this year.

"It's a handful, which is why we're helping them get set up and we'll be here every night to make sure everything is working fine," Neuman said. "Next year we'll be in Georgia, so it should be interesting for them."

To see past photos of Candy Cane Acres at the Neuman house, go to www.candycaneacres.com.

jschmucker@hernandotoday.com (352) 544-5271