Document text
--> --> Really lighting up the holidays Paul Ohlund puts the finishing touches on an elaborate Christmas set-up at his home on Talent Avenue, which will brighten with holiday lights Saturday night. Ashland Daily Tidings/AMY ALONZO By Maggie McGehee Ashland Daily Tidings A 39-year tradition will resume Saturday night when the Ohlund family throws the switch, illuminating their Talent Avenue home in a holiday light extravaganza that has become its own tourist attraction. Drawing crowds from as far away as Portland and earning a spot on the Laidlaw bus tour, the home of Paul and Debbie Ohlund - located at 1007 Talent Ave. - has become a sight to see as the bright and twinkling lights reveal a deeper meaning to the holidays. "This year we got help from the Recreation Foundation in Ashland," Paul Ohlund said. "We've got some new scenes out. It's been great this year. We're still getting everything put together. We are hoping to have more than the 37,000 lights we had two years ago. I haven't taken a count yet, but we'll probably be pushing 40,000. And there's a softer theme this year, with lots of pretty colors, blue banners and such. "We have fewer bright white lights ... We've become a tradition in town." The house was dark last year after Ohlund fell ill, but this year he is feeling better and is working hard to make sure the house will be ready to illuminate the front yard and the visiting children's faces this holiday season. Trying to emphasize the true spirit of Christmas, this year's decorations also includes a nativity scene with Santa Claus kneeling beside the manger of the baby Jesus. "It shows the true spirit of Christmas," Ohlund said. "Christmas is fun, but there's a reason behind it." If the lights weren't enough, Ohlund will carry on another tradition this year by dressing up as Santa Claus in the days prior to Christmas to greet children that come by the house. Though the Ohlunds aren't sure about the schedule as of yet, they hope Santa will be available on Dec. 22, 23 and on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Starting Saturday night, the Ohlund home will be lit by the thousands of lights through the end of the month, with Paul Ohlund saying he hopes visitors will get the same enjoyment this year as they have in years past. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing