The awe of holiday lights is a big part of the holiday spirit, and for the past 19 years, Country Springs in Waukesha has been showcasing one of the most spectacular light displays around.
With the recent passing of the event's founder, Dick Richard, Country Christmas will no doubt have an extra twinkle this year in his honor.
Country Christmas offers visitors a magical drive-through display of lights which are viewed right from the comfort of their vehicle. Guests can also stop inside for refreshments, other displays and a bit of shopping.
The idea for Country Christmas began with the hotel's previous owner.
Building up an idea
"Mr. Richards had a love for the holidays and the spirit of giving that came with it," said Tiffany Woodward, director of marketing and water park sales at the hotel, 2810 Golf Road. "Country Christmas was his way of sharing his love of Christmas with the community."
Woodward said that the event initially began with three buildings: General Store, Bakery, and Butcher Shop.
"These buildings were built in approximately 1995 and used to have wheels on them so they could be used at special events," Woodward said.
In 2000, the hotel created Bearville on the Country Christmas trail and made the buildings stationary. Over the years, other buildings — such as the sausage factory, church, phone booth, and others — were added.
Last year, Kurt Wamser, a maintenance employee, rebuilt a new General Store building. The model train display was added in 2006 after Mr. Richards and some members of the maintenance team came up with the idea.
Nativity story
The Streets of Bethlehem nativity scene, a replica of the one at the Vatican, has its own story to tell — that is, beyond its obvious Christmas story.
As Woodward recalls, Dick Richards and his wife Carol Richards were in San Francisco years ago when they saw a nativity scene that was developed by Fontanini, an Italian maker of religious figures.
Dick was fascinated with the beauty of it, and, in 1986, made an initial purchase of the Holy Family, which at first was put on display in the hotel lobby for guests to see.
"Over the years, the collection continued to grow, with Mr. Richards adding pieces to the collection," Woodward said. "In 2000, Richards moved the display out on the trail so that he could share this amazing display with more guests."
Initially, the display was housed in the building behind glass so people could view it when they drove by. Then, in 2003, The Streets of Bethlehem was created so people could walk through the building and get an up close look at the display.
In 2004, Marco Fontanini, part of the fourth generation of family members who own and operate the figure-making business, visited Country Springs and signed some of the figures, and was here to sign a special Fontanini ornament that was created for Country Christmas.
Putting it all together
The hotel's staff and maintenance team begins the process of erecting the displays begins each October.
Wamser works primarily on Country Christmas for about six months of the year, Woodward said, and is also the one that designs and builds the train display in Christmas Village.
In addition to the displays that the hotel owns, "we lease new displays each year so that we can continue to provide a new experience for the families across Southeastern Wisconsin that have made this a holiday tradition," Woodward added.
Since its inception, the display has incorporated other bits of pop culture.
"It continues to grow each year and includes favorites such as Thomas the Train, the Grinch, and a cuddly cast of animated characters," she said.
"Our presenting sponsor, Town Bank and additional sponsors, (including) Wisconsin Harley-Davidson and (Milwaukee-based model train and hobby distributor) Walthers, make the event possible," Woodward added. "Their partnership allows us to continue to bring new displays to the many families that come back year after year."
At a glance
WHAT: Country Christmas outdoor display
WHERE: Country Springs hotel grounds, 2810 Golf Road, Waukesha
WHEN: Daily, from 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays through Dec. 31.
HOW MUCH: $15 per car load, and $25 per limo, large, van, or any other vehicle with 15 passengers or more. Hotel packages that include admission are also available.
INFO: (262) 547-0201 (hotel) or www.thecountrychristmas.com