Thorold couple win Festival of Lights competition as Christmas display grows larger every year
Published January 5, 2023 at 9:23 am
When Thorold’s Nick Leuchin started putting up Christmas lights outside of his Barron Rd home 18 years ago, it was to impress a baby.
“It started 18 years ago when we welcomed our first grandchild to our family,” says Leuchin. “We thought we’d put out a few sparkly things for her to see, but it just got bigger and bigger every year!”
Bigger was better this year and Leuchin and his wife Darlene won the Thorold Festival of Lights contest this year as the most festively decorated house in the city.
All submissions to the contest are uploaded on the city’s website where residents can then vote on their favourite. This year the vote wasn’t even close as Leuchin took 236 out the total 380 that were cast.
The Leuchin’s, who have lived at their home since 1966, got plenty of attention throughout the holiday weeks.
“We’ve had traffic jams out front almost every night over the holidays. People have been out here with cameras just walking around the yard and taking pictures. It makes you feel good to share that with people,” adds Leuchin.
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He estimates that there are 100 displays out on his lawn and says they are already beginning to think about what they will put up next year.
Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini thanked all the residents who participated in this year’s Festival of Lights Contest, adding, “Congratulations to winners Nick and Darlene for their colourful display which didn’t go unnoticed by those who visited their property during the holidays. We look forward to seeing what next year will bring.”
Leuchin will be presented with a certificate and prize next week.
Nick Leuchin estimated there were roughly 100 displays on his Barron Rd house and already he is thinking of how to top that in 2023. (Photo: City of Thorold)