Jerry Maynard’s light display at Third Street & Kennedy Avenue in Old Town Wellington is quite something.
Maynard installed a lighted Christmas display at his home in Fort Collins every year, but when he moved to Wellington six years ago, into a home with a large front yard, he lost no time in initiating an expansion project. Using patterns that he purchases from Winfield Collections, he cuts out plywood figures and paints them. And every year his collection grows.
“The penguins came first,” he said. Last year a nativity scene was new and held the place of honor under the towering tree in his yard. This year a gathering of gingerbread people are new and therefore have the spotlight.
Maynard’s daughter, Angel, now 20, had severe vision problems as a child and could not see colors. After 14 surgeries, she now has normal vision and is able to fully appreciate her dad’s work.
She’s only one among the display’s numerous admirers. In addition to the people who walk and drive by, Maynard’s three 12-year-old sons, a set of twins and an adopted son, look forward to the display every year. “And now there are two grandchildren to share it with,” Maynard said. “I guess I’ve got to keep it up. The kids love it.”
Each year in October he begins work on a new set of figures. Set-up takes about two weeks, working a couple of hours a day.
It wouldn’t be Christmas at the Maynard household if their yard wasn’t teeming with figures that reflect the spirit of the holiday.