Brightest Lights

Two homes in Colfax were chosen to have the best and brightest Christmas lights in the chamber’s lighting contest.

The handiwork of Tom Stirling decorates his and wife Janel’s home at 813 S. Meadow Street.

Seven entries were judged the evening of Dec. 19, with two winners receiving $50 gift certificates donated by Kincaid Real Estate.

Colfax High School freshman Dalton Williams spent several nights after school decorating the family home at 1011 N. Park. His mother, Tina, said this is the first year he’s taken on the project. She said her 14-year-old son used between 15 and 20 strings of lights on the house and on trees in the yard. He wanted to string lights on a big oak tree in the front yard, but Mom said not without a safety harness.

“He’s making plans for that tree for next year,” she said.

The teen’s display also includes candy canes, reindeer and a sleigh. Tina said her son’s biggest obstacle is replacing fuses when lights go out.

Colfax High School freshman Dalton Williams decorated his family’s house at 1011 Park Street. The two locations were chosen as the best Christmas lights in Colfax by the Chamber of Commerce.

The younger Williams requested his winning gift certificate be for Ace Hardware and plans to hit after-Christmas sales to stock up on more lights. Williams said between she and her parents donating lights, Dalton should have a good collection by next year.

Janel Stirling said her husband, Tom, worked very hard on their light display at 813 S. Meadow. He began the project early on a Saturday morning, worked until after dark and then completed the project after working most of the next day, she said.

After trying all red and white lights, Janel said Tom added a Santa, Christmas trees, presents, reindeer and the snowman who tips his hat. She has no idea how many strings of lights he used, but knows he’s switching to LED lights because of the added brightness and energy efficiency.

Janel said Tom already has plans for next year.

“He loves Christmas,” she said. “He’s just a big kid at heart.”

“He enjoys it and hopes everyone else does, too.”