Tippecanoe County officials may ban manger scenes from the courthouse lawn, but they can't stop the baby Jesus from appearing in the back of a pickup. ...more

December 16, 2008

It's here: Christmas creep. Halloween is barely on the minds of schoolchildren, but retailers across the Bay area have begun putting up Christmas displays and piling decorations and other inventory onto the shelves. In some shops, prices on Halloween items already have been cut, and the ghosts and goblins play second fiddle to Christmas trees and Santa hats. ...more

October 6, 2008

a big disappointment! ...more

January 6, 2008

SEBRING — Is Santa Claus full of hot air? Dozens of bigger-than-life inflatable blow-up Santas and various Christmas displays are popping up in yards all over Highlands County. Erick Kelecseny has $8,000 worth Christmas decorations, including eight blow-ups in his front yard on Duffer Road. There's the compulsory Santa, plus Mickey and Minnie, and even a full band, including shade-wearing musicians, which pumps out funky Christmas carols. "I grew up poor my whole life and now I say I do it for the kids," said Kelecseny, about the holiday displays with fans that quietly hum all night long. "But I really do it for my own enjoyment." Kelecseny said on Thursday night that he enjoys turning off the house lights, sitting in the yard with his daughter, 15-month-old Ericka, to watch the reaction of motorists and pedestrians. ...more

December 22, 2007

Wow! Saturday night we had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Flywheelers "Christmas in the Village." We both could not believe the wonderland of lights that the Flywheelers and their volunteers created. Besides all the Christmas displays, live entertainment, antique tractors and cars decorated with lights, there were hot dogs, cider, eggnog, coffee and homemade cookies all supplied by the Flywheelers. From the front gate, you are transported on trams through their antique village and into the different areas of the park to see the displays. The last dates to see this heart warming presentation are Dec. 14 and 15. Admission is an unwrapped toy, canned food or a cash donation. All proceeds go to local charities and local food banks. It is well worth the drive to their village in Fort Meade. For all who need a little holiday spirit and those who already have it, this is a must. ...more

December 11, 2007

Trucks, tempers, Christmas displays and a gun proved a violent mix Thursday night for one Polk County neighborhood, the sheriff's office said. ...more

December 8, 2007