Weather....

With the backyard completion today and the rest of the front tomorrow.....rain is in the forecast beginning Friday evening. Just know if it is raining, the Trail will be closed. As much as we need the rain, my hope is just one or two nights rather than four!

I must say, it is really coming together and looks great this year.....

December 1st...completion

We are so close...major strides made on Sunday. The rain and wind were a big set back however we sure needed the rain. Be sure and check the blog/Facebook for weather updates. Rain forecast for this weekend.
Excited for everyone to see the new props this season.

Remember to bring mens clothing donations!  Coats, sleeping bags, blankets, socks, underwear, gloves, thermals, etc!
Enjoy.....

Open for business....

We will be open Thanksgiving night.  We are about 80% complete.
Please be patient as we have about one more week of work!
All good stuff....

Thanksgiving is nearing....Yikes!

The guys that normally help have been busy this season with their own business hence we are a bit behind. Because of the LED light investment, we have to install and uninstall the tree lights. In the past, we left them in the trees each year. The trees are nearly complete.

I built/assembled the tunnel yesterday. That is also a major feat and a huge relief!
Friday was a 14 hour day and Saturday was 9am - 2am! And loving it.

Most of the main front yard is complete. Today I will compete the side yard, the tunnel lighting and curb props. Also hope to start on the tent.

I find myself troubleshooting and repairing as I go. By the end of the season, the thought is pack everything up as fast as possible for next year. Inevitably an item or three will conk out. On occasion, it is easier to dispose of the item and move on. A moment of silence is always in order!

Later cats.........

Trail of lights progress....

The late nights have begun and loving it!
The great part about the night is being able to visualize and see the immediate result of placement.
Most items are rarely in the same spot from year to year.

The tents were delivered by Marquee Tents yesterday.
The tents hold all the plush, dancing santas, etc.
The large 10x20 tent is donated each year by David Munoz of Marquee Tents. We are truly grateful.

Today we finish the backyard trees. Hopefully the extra 3000 LED lights arrive today.
 I am thankful Matt has no height issues and climbs high up into the timber zone.

A new item this year will be a Rocket. Today we will dress the rocket and attempt to finish the display/pedestal for the rocket.

We try to have this 80-90% compete by Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is early this year and we are a running a bit behind however Matt has four guys this year so we will see! Stay tuned....

The time is now!

With the news of Austin's trail of lights canceling 2011, well just know we will have record numbers again this season. This weekend we will begin the process: retrieving decorations from storage, cleaning up, repairing, assembling, testing, sorting, organizing, etc.

As with all the past seasons, I have no idea where anything will go. I tend to be an organized person however there is no rhyme or reason. I just go with it.

There are several new themes/decorations this year including a "rocket"!
Stay tuned for more details.
The goal is to "flip" the switch on Thanksgiving night.

Last year was our first year to accept donations both monetary and clothing.
As you can see on our website, we donate annually to Mobile Loaves and Fishes along with Angel House and the YMCA.