Article content

Durkac Lights started 20 years ago on Woodbine Avenue with just lights, a few yard decorations, and magical appearances from Santa on special nights (I personally remember him from my teenage years on Woodbine Avenue , back when families and friends would walk around to look at Christmas lights.)

Article content

Although he started with a small light display, he and his family have built it up to 50,000 lights (as of 2024) with many uniquely designed decorations made from recycled products, as well as custom built decorations by Santa Claus and his elves.

It’s truly something to see for yourself: you get that warm feeling of Christmas magic that many of us have forgotten. The lights, Santa’s voice, the children’s laughter, it really lets you see the beauty of the season, the kind you can’t buy in stores (take it from the Sudbury Grinch, there’s nothing such as the magic of Christmas).

Not only did this man do it at his own pace and with his own means, year after year, adding more lights and decorations, but he also decided to amplify it and launch the Durkac Edgar Burton Food Festival of Lights Drive (2011) and Santa Claus appearances began. in 2013. Collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations to donate to the annual food drive, he must empty bins and load trucks, in addition to installing lights, decorations and dressing Also.

Article content

He built a donation bin, distributes candy to all visitors and takes lots of photos for the families; it is truly one of a kind.

In 2020, due to COVID-19, he didn’t collect donations, but he still came out to play the role of Santa in the aisle and greeted people who passed by to see the lights.

This man gave 20 years of his life dedicating himself to creating, adding, implementing and engaging our community every Christmas without ever asking for anything in return except for donations to provide for the less fortunate in our community during the holidays.

He works all summer creating new stage elements and light displays, and goes into setup mode at the end of the summer, continuing into the fall until everything is ready to go and tested for precision and safety. This man does more than many realize, and in his final year, I would like to see him feel the appreciation of his community for the 20 years he has kept the magic of Christmas alive in our community.

Article content

I found this man again years later in life (in 2020, but I wasn’t able to volunteer with him until 2021) on Severn Street, when I was the Grinch of Sudbury (2019 -23). I asked if I could come help him get more donations (my free appearances at the Science North Festival of Lights always drew big crowds and donations, so I thought maybe I could help here too ). He welcomed me with open arms and let me take over some of his space.

I sit down, knowing that this will be my last season as the Grinch, with Santa (Derek Durkac) and Mrs. Claus (Nicole Cusson). I sit and think about my seasons with him, and then the season he met Mrs. Claus (2023). She represented a bit of the magic of Christmas, with her rosy cheeks and warm smile, a welcome addition to Santa’s light workshop.

Article content

I try to always enjoy the little things in life because everyone is so obsessed with the hustle and bustle of Christmas and all the shiny things. They forget the smell of hot chocolate in a warm car while Christmas lights dance; or the strong flavor of peppermint candy canes while you get a sugar buzz and your teeth hurt. We forget that it’s not about the gifts, it’s about the people you care about and the memories you’ll cherish forever, much more than the gifts that will be obsolete in six months.

If I can ask you one thing this year, I would like to ask you to take the time to go see the Durkac Festival of Lights and say goodbye to Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy the lights one last time , and please invite your friends too.

Kelly Hamilton, the Grinch of Sudbury, lives in Lively.

Article content