Written By Jan Sims

ILDERTON - The lights have dimmed on another season for what’s become affectionately known as the Griswold Ilderton Christmas display. But the afterglow continues in the form of donations to worthy causes.
“This year we raised a total of $20,087 for Childcan and 1,350 lbs. of non-perishables for the Ailsa Craig food bank!,” enthuses homeowner Jeff Vanleeuwen on social media. “To date we have raised $126,623 and almost 14,350 lbs. for the food bank!,” adds Vanleeuwen.
The display on Songbird Lane is a labor of love for the Vanleeuwen family and friends. This year, it took some two months to put up the display, and about five days to take it down. Although turnout was down a bit this year because of poor weather, people who took in the display were impressed. “It made lots of people very happy… young and old. Very appreciative for what I had done.”
Because the display has become so popular, it’s necessitated steps to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. “We appreciate everyone’s patience with the traffic. Thank you to our families, our friends and many volunteers for the extra help this year! We couldn’t have done it without you,” posts Vanleeuwen.
Sure-fire crowd pleasers each year are the new elements to the display. This year that included, trees, characters, large blow ups, and several new arches.
As to why he puts on the display every year, Vanleeuwen says it’s all about helping to create the kind of childhood memories that he treasures. “To make people happy that need some joy at that time of year. To help our charities who need all the help they can get.”