Record Breaking Light Display Ruining Christmas in Lagrangeville

A popular Hudson Valley light display is facing backlash in a new New York Times article.

Record-Breaking Light Display Brings Joy to New York Families

Years before COVID-19 forced us to enjoy experiences like Haunted Houses and Christmas Displays in drive-thru form, there was Lagrangeville New York's ERDAJT light display.

For years, Timothy and Grace Gay decked out their front yard in thousands of holiday lights and designs accompanied by Christmas music. The Gay family opened up their front lawn to the community giving those looking for a taste of the holiday spirit to drive through the display and every year they collect donations for different charity organizations.

The display grew through the years and now has more than 600,000 lights. Throughout the last few years, the Gay Family and ERDAJT have held the Guinness World Record for holiday light displays.

Naturally, a record-breaking holiday light display will bring families from all across New York State to see the sights. That means long waits in cars clogging up local roads. According to some, the excitement about the holiday experience has worn off.

ERDAJT's Christmas Light Display , Facebook

New York Times Looks into ERDAJT Frustrations in Union Vale, NY

Not everyone is a fan of the record-breaking display.

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An article that was posted on December 11th, 2023 in the New York Times with the title "Are You Going to Be The One to Get Rid of Santa?" discusses the grievances of some of the ERDAJTs neighbors with the popularity of the display.

Reporter Ronda Kaysen writes:

Residents say that over the years cars have parked on their lawns, damaging their grass, and visitors have left behind mementos from the hours spent in wait — empty alcohol bottles, dime bags with remnants of marijuana and, in one instance, a jar full of urine, possibly from a driver who consumed too much hot cocoa during the long, dark wait for dazzle.

Litter is an understandable frustration, but crews have been put into place to direct traffic and collect trash. But even with the improvements, some are hoping (at least according to the NYT) that the light display be moved to a local park.

Kaysen spoke with locals like Edward J. Kasche who said that living near the display was "essentially running a Legoland out of your property for 40 days." It was reported that Kasche ran for the town board this year and was inspired by "his long frustration with what he describes as a lax municipal response to the show."

Kasche lost the election in November.

But he's not alone. The New York Times article goes on to say that "the lights are a frequent topic of discussion at town board meetings" and residents have sent letters and emails to the "town supervisor, the town building department and their New York State Assemblymember."

Will the ERDAJT Light Display Come to an End?

Towards the end of the NYT article, Kaysen asks Tim and Grace if they'll be flipping the switch off permanently any time soon.

While they make no mention of the backlash from some of the community, the Gay family has decided that when they reach $1 million in donations, that's when ERDAJT will turn the lights off.

As for the popular Lagrangeville light display, do you think it should stop sooner than later or continue on sharing the holiday spirit?

Stay up to date with all ERDAJT updates on their social media pages.

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