At a Mad Science Christmas, we utilize products from Light-O-Rama. This program allows us to control our lights via a computer and tell each light what to do and when to do it. We are running 96 separate channels this year that will allow us to control (on/off, fade, twinkle, etc.) 96 different areas of our display.
The process of synchronizing a song is a long one. On average it takes approximately 8 hours per minute of music to get it just right (insert OCD here). So as you can guess, we listen to Christmas music 90% of the year. We are already searching for songs for next years display and will start the layout process in February.
As you can imagine, it takes quite a while to set up and even longer to take down. With Alaska being what it is, some portions of the display will remain until the ground thaws in April. So Christmas really does last all year here!
If you have any questions or just interested in knowing more, please send me an email or come by the show. I pop out most evenings just to say HI!
Why We Do It?
I have been a Christmas light junkie for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Southern California, our family tradition every Christmas Eve was to go look at the beautiful Christmas lights. Regardless of where we went, we always ended up at the same house. The decorations and lights were always the same, but they were always amazing. Those were memories that I can vividly remember and wanted to create with my daughter.
So after the 1st year living in our new house, I decided I wanted to kick it up a notch. I wanted to be that house people brought their children to and to help Alaskan families make memories for years to come. My wife Karen didn't quite understand my fascination or the power of the lights until she saw our daughters face light up when they turned on. In that moment, she became a believer.
The second reason is actually really a simple one. This is my way of giving back to the community and saying thanks. It truly is amazing the power that those little lights have and the smiles that they bring to the faces of children of all ages. That is my reward.
A Special note to our immediate neighbors and the
residents of Victoria Estates:
I
know it can get a little busy around here during this time
of year. I just wanted to say thank you for allowing me to
indulge in my hobby and not tossing me out.........
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Display Specs:
For
2008, our light show will consist of the following:
❂
96 channels of LOR computer
control
❂
Approximately 7000 feet of
extension cords
❂
60,000 total lights
❂
30 Strobe lights
❂
3 - 5' tall Light Fans
❂ 24 - mini trees with
multiple colors
❂
4 - large clear mini trees
❂
21' tri-color mega-tree with
2' star on top
And introducing your emcee for the
evening...
Tinsel the Talking Tree.
Security:
Every good thing
usually comes with a bad side, so due to the bah-humbugs
out there, we have added 24/7 security surveillance to our
display this year. The cameras we are using are a very high
quality night vision that will easily capture pictures of
the faces of anyone in our yard as well as vehicles. AST
will also be doing routine patrols of the neighborhood.
It is sad that we have to go to such extremes, especially
this time of year, but our display means a lot to us as
well as the community. If you have any concerns, or see any
suspicious activity, please contact us or call the
authorities immediately.
Thank you and enjoy the show!
