Meticulous light display on Meadow Lane

Ron and Gloria Albin invite the community to come by their home at 404 W. Meadow Lane to view their light display and receive a candy cane.
Ron and Gloria Albin invite the community to come by their home at 404 W. Meadow Lane to view their light display and receive a candy cane.

Those who drive down Meadow Lane to look at Christmas lights may stop at Ron and Gloria Albin's home, where they'll receive a smile and a treat, too.

The couple has carried on the family tradition of outdoor decorating combined with a hand-delivered candy cane for each visitor who stops.

After winning the California Area Chamber of Commerce light contest several times, the couple now calls each year asking to not be considered in the contest.

"We just want to spread joy and good will to all," Gloria said.

No two years are the same.

In fact, last year they tried a laser show, instead of their lighted strings and figures.

"We didn't like it," Ron said.

So, this year, they've pulled out the full yard display again, including a homemade lighted Christmas tree, wintry scenes and lengths of lights synched to music.

The theme this year is snowflakes, which are lighted in various colors around the yard.

In October, Ron sets up a drawing board where he designs, redesigns, calculates electric current and and plans the music synchronization.

The Albins even rewired part of their home, so they can control the outdoor lights from the inside and added outdoor power outlets to accommodate the demand.

"I like to be organized," Ron said.

Then, he will check every single bulb before they're placed outside. Although most figures were store bought, he has made custom improvements to light colors and configurations.

"He really works to get everything they way he wants it," Gloria said.

One requirement - every reindeer must have a red nose.

Since 2012, Ron has kept a journal of his work hours, his design and the number of lights. He spent 55 hours this year and set out 8,437 individual bulbs.

"I enjoy the challenge," Ron said.

The tree at the end of the driveway is an original, he built about five years ago and features more than 1,000 lights alone. They have had offers from community members interested in buying the item, if they ever stop with decoration.

"I felt like I wanted something of my own," Ron said.

The neighbors on Meadow Lane enjoy the Albins' efforts. If a decoration is blown out of place or a section of lights are out, they will call and let them know.

In past years, they've handed out about two dozen candy canes a night.

"We'd like to see the community come out and take a look," Ron said. "We'd love to see the street full and keep me busy."

The lights at the Albin house always come on the Friday after Thanksgiving. And they will be on every night through Dec. 26.

"We hope they receive the Christmas spirit, to know somebody in the world does care," he said.