A holiday tradition that began with a simple Christmas light display more than 40-years ago continues near Red Oak, and features newer technology, this year. Jack Baird and his family have been hard at work preparing for their light and display show for the past couple of months. Speaking on KJAN’s “Heartbeat Today” with Jim Field, Baird said they try to add another element to the show each year, and this year is no different. He said they’re adding a 19-foot tall saluting soldier this year, which has become a daunting task, but one they will have ready by the time the display opens Saturday evening.

The lights will be turned on at the Baird farm northwest of Red Oak, beginning at around 5:30-p.m. Saturday. Jack said there all many different signs on the hills, a church with animated characters and large Nativity Scene, and a more than 20-foot tall lighted ferris wheel. Baird switched the lights from the old incandescent-style to LED’s, which he says proved not only to be brighter and clearer, but a great cost-saver.

As many cities have learned, the use of LED lights could save 90-percent on the cost of electricity. Another advantage, is that they’re tough and will likely last longer.  The 82-year old Baird says the best way to get to the farm from Atlantic, is to take Highway 48 past Elliott, west on H-12 for three-miles, and then south for a little more than a mile. You won’t be able to miss the display, even if you’re still several miles away….just look for a large glow. A star on top of a grain bin is 50-feet in the air, and a Christmas tree on top of a radio tower is about 70-feet high.

The actual physical address is 1233 E Avenue. There is no charge to view the display, but the Baird family does accept donations through a collection box placed near the display. You can view the holiday display every night from this Saturday until New Year’s Day, from dark until 10:30-p.m. Sundays through Fridays, and until 11-p.m. on Saturdays.