Christmas competition brings unity to community
Campus Times
December 12, 1997
Christmas in Chino would not be the same if residents of this area
did not decorate their houses for the season. Some families spend the night
in the front yard watching the spectators pass by. Gary Chamberlain who
lives on Lemon and Filmore, began this "lighted tradition" 19
years ago and is proud to open up his home to his neighbors. "I enjoy
meeting people from all over," said Chamberlain.
A "California Christmas" is celebrated at the corner of Filmore
and Lemon in the city of Chino where hundreds of light bulbs give life to
the houses lit up throughout the city streets.
For nearly two decades, neighbors have volunteered to decorate their
homes for the holidays. According to resident Gary Chamberlain, 19 years
ago, he began to decorate his home full of bright lights and Christmas decorations
to compete with another neighbor.
"We had a little competition going between neighbors," said
Chamberlain.
Eventually, other homes caught on to the competitive spirit, and today,
people from across the nation come to walk through the streets and participate
in the Christmas spirit.
Chamberlain, whose house is the "perfect location at the end of
the block," can be seen off the 60 freeway. Passersby get a glimpse
of the 65-foot tree tower he puts up yearly. His home features a rotating
carousel, lights and stuffed Christmas characters.
Although the time spent putting up the lights takes "a week off
[Chamberlain's] work schedule," the planning process for the tree tower
took five years, according to Chamberlain.
"I had to figure out how to put it up safely with the weather conditions
in mind. It literally took five years to figure out, but it has been here
since," Chamberlain said.
As Christmas grows closer, crowds increase in size. Traffic is stopped
by city police and only pedestrians are allowed onto the blocks. Carolers,
families and visitors follow decorated paths with wonder at the visions
before them.
"I've talked to people from everywhere," said Chamberlain.
"I've talked to ladies from the east coast who say 'I've never seen
anything like this in my life.'" Chamberlain responded, "It is
the way we do it here, it's a California Christmas."
Today, Chamberlain enjoys the large crowds who admire his home, as well
as his neighbors'. Their enjoyment is worth the expense of a $450 electricity
bill, said Chamberlain, chuckling.
He specifically remembers a couple who became engaged at the footsteps
of his sidewalk. Since the couple's engagement, they have made it a yearly
tradition to return to the sidewalk steps and renew their vows. Chamberlain
says his efforts are "well worthwhile."
Lisa Masters, resident from Alta Loma has visited the Christmas lights
for ten years and says she visits "at least twice a year. I think it
is phenomenal."
Homes featuring Christmas themes and holiday songs are especially enjoyed
by the children.
Daniel Masters, 7, says he enjoys the lights and considers it "a
Christmas Tradition" for his family.
The lights are on from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays and from 5:30 p.m.-11
p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
