As Christmas nears and holiday spirit swells, so do the imaginations of children and their families as they slowly drive past the hundreds of decorated homes across Montgomery County.
Lights, mechanics, music, exhibits — all were proudly displayed in the sprawling holiday wonderland erected by David and Rosella Potter at their country residence, located near the intersection of Nucor Road and C.R. 150S. “We enjoy doing it for ourselves and our family, but we get the most pleasure out of people stopping and looking and telling us they like it,” Rosella said. “We’ve been doing it probably 18 to 19 years.”
The Potters haven’t been able to take part every year, however, and have even seen some pieces missing by New Year’s Day. But that won’t stop the Potters from spreading Christmas cheer.
“There’s a lot of people who stop out here in the road; they turn their flashers on and just stop and just look and take pictures and everything,” David said.
“We have grandkids and great-grandkids who like to look at it too,” Rosella added. “If want to look in the back yard, we’re more than happy to go out and take them around.
Whether making new memories or reliving the old, families can find the Potters at 3961 E. C.R. 150S, just a few miles east of Crawfordsville.
Those interested in stopping are encouraged to turn their headlights off, turn on their flashers and park in front of the home on C.R. 150S near the candy canes.
The Potters plan to have their Christmas decorations up through New Year’s Day. Taking them down, though, may come later.
“We used to add a little bit each year, but now we’re out of hand so we don’t add much anymore,” David said. “We probably started in the middle-to-end of October ... and one year we didn’t get ‘em down until February. It’ll just depend on the weather.”
The Potters top a list of six winning entries from a pool of nearly 30, winning the top prize of $720 and a plaque. Subsequent winners of the 2020 Deck Your Homes contest include: Bill Richmond, second place ($450), 2169 W. Country Club Road; Shirley Largent, third place ($270), 1934 W. U.S. 136; Rex and Ronda Hutchison, fourth place ($180), 1789 W. C.R. 50S; Maria Vannice and Joe Matrisian, fifth place ($90), 9401 W. State Road 234; and Richard Mason, sixth place ($90), 523 E. Main St.
All prizes and money are compliments of the Christmas Light Fund, administered by the Montgomery County Community Foundation. It is co-sponsored by the Journal Review.
Visit www.journalreview.com for a complete list of entrants from 2020’s contest where photos and videos can also be found.
