Move over Clark Griswold, Dave Ouellette is in town.
Over the past 12 years, Canmore's Ouellette Christmas display has gotten bigger and better, and his plans for 2020 is to have the biggest and best display yet.
“People need this now," said Ouellette, standing among the sea of inflatable Christmas decorations. "After the year we have had, I wanted to do something extra special that will make people smile and take their minds off of everything going on, even if just for a little while.
“You can’t put a price on the joy surrounding Christmas.”
Ouellette is the self-professed Clark Griswold of Canmore and said he loves Christmas, more than any other holiday. Twelve years ago, Ouellette purchased his first three large inflatable Christmas decorations for his oldest daughter Rhyanna’s first Christmas.
Since then, the collection has grown considerably. Ouellette estimates he spends upwards of $1,000 a year on new additions for the display.
“I am always buying new pieces every year. I have no idea how many pieces there are – I’ve lost count,” said Ouellette while laughing.
Some of the inflatable decorations include Disney characters, Marvel characters, Santa and his reindeer, Snoopy flying a biplane with a propeller that spins and a 16-foot tall penguin and nutcracker.
In addition to the inflatable decorations, Ouellette adds an estimated 200 strands of Christmas lights, and Santa’s sleigh. This year’s notable additions include more than 20 artificial Christmas trees, a new coat of paint on Santa’s sleigh, four bears carved out of tree stumps and four steel wagon wheels that will be wrapped in lights.
“It has to be just right. The display has to be balanced.”
Every year, Ouellette aims to have the display fully set up for Dec. 1, which means he starts setting up in early November. Setting up such a large display takes an army and Ouellette is thankful for the help from his wife Mirrah and three daughters Rhyanna, Savannah and Tyanna.
“It really is a family affair and the girls love to help out every year. They get really excited when all the boxes start coming out in November.”
He said his wife, Mirrah, finesses the display making everything just right. She tackles the organization of all the lights and hundreds of electrical cables on the ground.
Ouellette said his favourite part of the display is seeing people’s reactions. As the owner of Three Sisters Taxi, Ouellette said he will often ask customers if they want to see his Christmas lights.
“Most of the time people will agree when I tell them I have a lot of lights on display, but when they actually see it in person they are shocked.”
Located on Spring Creek Gate in the Spring Creek RV Park, Ouellette said anyone and everyone is welcome to come to see the display – it can't be missed.
BANFF HOLIDAY LIGHT CHALLENGE
The community of Banff has organized a holiday light challenge this year.
"Holiday lights, especially when we have a winter wonderland of snow, add a special glow to our communities around the holidays,” wrote organizer Doug Bushulak. "Your outdoor masterpiece has taken days of preparation, but you know it will make your house the talk of the neighborhood.
"After placing a final string of lights on the bushes, you plug in the cord and voila – a stunning display of holiday cheer. But your neighbour is also finishing up his own holiday lights spectacle. Maybe it's time for a friendly competition."
Registration is $20 and available through Signup Genius. Not only do the winners get some sweet prizes, but they get bragging rights for the next year.
SEARCH FOR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
A brand new experience created specially for these socially distanced times it he Search fo Christmas Spirit lighting trail in Banff.
Banff Lake Louise Tourism director of media and communications Angela Anderson said the goal was to provide a safe outdoor activity that would provide an enlightening experience for visitors and residents.
"With this, we are striving to provide safe and socially distanced outdoor activity for people who still want to experience Christmas here in the Rockies," Anderson said in an emai. "We have partnered with Carter-Ryan Galleries to create an immersive outdoor storytelling experience.
"The experience starts at Banff Avenue Square and takes people through the Parks Canada administration grounds (Cascade Gardens). We have been working very closely with Alberta Health Services, the Town of Banff, and Parks Canada to ensure we are following public health guidelines and providing a safe and fun experience for people."
The event is free, but requires registration to ensure cohorts are staggered by 15-minute intervals.
The tentative start date is Dec. 3. Go to www.banfflakelouise.com/christmas for more details and to register.
