As I sit here this Sunday morning with my Snuggley keeping me warm on the couch, holiday music in the background, my cup of joe at my side made with my new Keurig Coffee Maker, and Aidan and Stuart playing chess at the dining room table - I am reminded of one of most magical holiday finds in Gainesville, Florida.
It’s the most amazing holiday light display I have ever seen for a private residence. The house is owned by the DeGraff Family and is located on SR 26 in Melrose Florida. I first discovered it in 2007 as we were driving home from a day of holiday activities in St. Augustine. We actually got out of the car and walked around the property. We were not the only ones! We later learned from the owner that he does this every year and encourages people to park and walk around the display. I was so impressed that I called my best friend, Aaron Bailey and we went back a few days later and took some pictures. Aaron even did a spectacular Virtual Tour of the Scene.
I was excited to see the display the following year, but sadly, there was no lights. While checking out my local paper online – I came across a article and video produced by the Gainesville Sun showing the house and interviewing the family that creates the display. It is really fascinating. Apparently, the owner had a heart attack in 2008 – so that is why there were no lights. This year, he fell down from scaffolding and had a severe brain injury. They almost cancelled the lights again this year, but his family came together and finished putting on the lights so they could have it this year.
Here are some pictures that I took of the display in 2007:
You’ve got to check out Aaron’s Virtual Tour that he posted. Here is the link to his virtual tour!
I highly recommend that you visit the house in Melrose. I will be heading out there this evening. Hope to see you there! Here is the video that the Gainesville Sun posted about the DeGraff Family Lights!
by Laurel
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