December 21, 2015

“Welcome to the North Pole at Chadds Ford.”

That’s part of the introductory message for the holiday sounds and lights extravaganza on the front lawn of the Schweitzer residence at the end of Joshua Way in Pennsbury Township.

It’s an elaborate, multi-media spectacle that has evolved for about 15 years and grows annually, said the homeowner, Frank Schweitzer. During a recent phone interview, he insisted that he and his wife, Donna, have nothing to do with the ever-changing creation – except to enjoy the results.

“Our son Brent does the whole thing,” he said. “We don’t discourage him, but that’s as far as our involvement goes.”

Brent Schweitzer, a mechanical engineer, disagreed only slightly with that assessment. He said his parents might roll their eyes when he brings home a new purchase, but sometimes they even make suggestions. And periodically, the assembly requires his father to lend another pair of hands.

“They enjoy it,” Schweitzer said of his parents. And they’re not alone. Ever year, the number of cars parked outside the residence increases, as does the complexity of the show.

Now a computer program synchs the lights and music, and even allows the use of a radio station. Viewers, who are asked to dim their headlights to avoid disturbing neighbors, can tune in to FM 91.1 so that they can hear the approximately 10-minute show as they’re watching it.

This year’s display has about 8,000 lights, Brent Schweitzer said, which is down from last year. However, that’s because he increased the number of blow-mold figures to more than 300. Lights leaping on arches and candy-cane tubes with color-changing globes are also new additions.

Eventually, he said he plans to switch to more LED lights. While that will help reduce the electric bill, it’s not the primary motivation. “It will enable me to put more stuff out” without the fear of popping breakers, Brent Schweitzer said.

He said acquiring new materials is a yearlong quest that includes forays on Craig’s List. If he can’t find the perfect accessory, he’ll make it himself. Once a person dropped off an inflatable that had belonged to a relative who died in hopes that the Schweitzers would give it a new life, which they did.

Last year, a couple stopped and insisted on giving Brent Schweitzer a donation, telling him that he could use it to defray the electric bill or purchase new attractions. They said they’d been bringing their children to the house for several years and appreciated his artistry. Schweitzer said he resisted their efforts. “This isn’t about money; it’s about bringing joy to people’s lives,” he told them.

The couple persisted, and Schweitzer said he eventually used the money to add to this year’s array of colorful Lollipop blow-molds.

He said he starts to plan the design, which is always different, in late summer. The setup generally takes the first three weeks of November. He said it takes 70 to 80 hours to get everything ready, and although the process can be tedious, the results always make it worthwhile.

“It makes me happy to see it,” he said, “and it makes me happy to see the smiles on other people’s faces.”

At this point, Schweitzer has no clue what decorations will emerge in 2016, but one thing is certain: “Next year it will be a little bit bigger.”

For those who want to experience the magic, a sign points the way at the intersection of Route 1 and Joshua Way. Follow the road until the glow intensifies at the end of the cul-de-sac. Brent Schweitzer said he would begin the task of dismantling the display the weekend following New Year’s Day.