Nevala Family Christmas Light Show continues tradition

 
For many years Glen and Tammy Nevala have decorated their homes with lights for holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
 
A few years ago however, they decided to take it a step further by creating an entire show for people in the community.
 
Since then they have had hundreds and thousands of people every Christmas and Halloween season come to their home to watch the spectacular shows.
 
“We always decorated the house and got more ideas on how to add through the internet,” said Nevala, “ We did a lot of research on it and got a lot of ideas from different online groups,” he added.
 
After many years they have expanded to creating homemade props, which includes working on the shows all year round. They also  now have 32,000 lights that they control.
 
“It’s more than just the average house decorating,” Nevala said, “It’s become a hobby as well,” he added.
 
Nevala explained that oftentimes they get many people that come to watch the show every night
describing it as a drive in movie theater feel, with people lining the streets to watch the shows.
 
“It amazes me how many people come out to watch the shows,” Nevala said, “It really motivates me seeing how much people appreciate it,” Nevala added.
 
For about five years or so they have also been giving back to the community through their light shows by making donations to a local charitable organization every year.
 
After getting the idea from a member of the community who told them that they could collect donations from people, they ran with the idea and usually raise about $1,000 or more every year.
 
This year they decided to pick a local organization to donate the proceeds to, which will be the Kasson Fire and Rescue.
 
One of the other things that they do every year as well is sponsor a Santa’s Coloring Contest for children in the local area.
 
Children are able to stop by Santa’s Mailbox out in front of their house pick up an entry form. After they color a photo of Santa they are then able to drop it off and at the end of the Christmas Season, on Dec. 23 they give away a few bikes to kids who win.
 
The shows take place every day throughout the Christmas Season starting this weekend, on Friday, Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 with special shows, including guest appearances by Santa Clause.
 
Be sure to check out all the fun this Christmas Season by going to the shows at 405 6th street court NE, in Kasson.