Local neighborhood hopes holiday lights brighten smiles

People living in one Colorado Springs neighborhood hope their holiday light display spreads Christmas cheer this season.

Paul Gravelle’s home on Rawhide Lane is one of seven on Rawhide Lane participating in the Christmas light show. His neighbor Rich started with his home and it’s spread across the block.

“I didn’t have to do anything. All I had to do was supply the power and Rich did it all so we couldn’t do that,” said Gravelle.

Rich didn’t want to do an interview because he did not want the publicity. Rich said he starts decorating at the beginning of the November so the show could start on Dec. 6. His neighbors supply the power, but he is in charge of the decorations.

Neighbors picked 10 songs and Rich syncs the music with the lights. Rich estimated there are about 25,000 lights in the display, but he said he lost track 3 years ago after 14,000 lights.

This neighborhood’s work has not gone unnoticed. Cars lined the street on Sunday night to watch the show. Spectators appreciated the display.

“Some friends told us about it so we just came out to check it out and bring her to see it. We like that it’s all the houses together,” said Christina Hotchkiss.

“I didn’t know what to expect either. This is just, we just happened to cross it. This is really beautiful, I think,” said Aleah Karsh.

Kylee Cando, 3, said Santa will see the display from his sleigh.

“He will! And Santa’s come to my house,” said Cando.

Gravelle said it’s a close-knit neighborhood and he believes the Christmas lights are a contributing factor.

“It gives us all an opportunity to come together as a neighborhood,” said Gravelle.

The lights go from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The final light show of the season will be Jan. 1.