By Kimberly Gasuras | Freelance reporter and FreeWire correspondent
BUCYRUS — Residents across Bucyrus have turned their homes into stunning showcases of holiday spirit, featuring vibrant light displays, inflatable decorations, and festive designs. Streets like West Oakwood Avenue dazzle with twinkling lights, projected images, and intricate setups that bring joy to the community during this festive season.
The tradition of holiday light displays has deep roots, originating in 17th-century Germany, where candles were placed on Christmas trees to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. German immigrants brought this tradition to the United States in the 19th century, where it eventually evolved into the elaborate electric displays we see today.
The introduction of electric Christmas lights in 1882, thanks to Edward H. Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, made decorating safer and more accessible. By the 1920s, pre-assembled light strings from General Electric made it easier for families to adorn their homes, a practice that has since become a cherished holiday tradition. Modern advancements like LED technology and programmable lights have elevated these displays to a whole new level, with many incorporating music and intricate designs.
This year, FreeWire is celebrating Bucyrus’s holiday spirit with its Christmas Lights Decoration Contest, sponsored by Suburban Lanes & Entertainment Center. As part of the event, I spent the evening driving through the city to capture photos of some of the most eye-catching displays for this article. While these photos highlight the creativity and effort of local residents, the contest itself is open to everyone.
To enter the contest, you’ll need to nominate yourself, a friend, or a neighbor by submitting a photo of the decorated home, along with the name and address. You can:
- Email your submission to freewiremag@gmail.com
- Send it via FreeWire’s Facebook page
- Or message Logan Andrew directly.
Nominations must be submitted by Friday, December 27th to be included in the voting. After all nominations are collected, FreeWire will post the photos for the community to vote on. Voting will determine the winner, who will be announced during the Suburban Lanes & Entertainment Center’s New Year’s Eve party.
The grand prize includes:
- One year of early access to FreeWire content
- Exclusive FreeWire merchandise
- A $100 gift card to Suburban Lanes & Entertainment Center, generously provided by Shawn Ridgeway.
This contest is a great opportunity to celebrate the creativity and holiday cheer that make Bucyrus such a special place. Be sure to send in your nominations, vote for your favorites, and enjoy the displays that brighten up our community this season.
Happy Holidays, Bucyrus!
About the Author
Kim Gasuras is a seasoned freelance journalist with 25 years of experience covering community news and human-interest stories. Her passion for storytelling and capturing the heart of local events has made her a trusted voice in Bucyrus and beyond. In addition to her freelance work, Kim serves as a correspondent for FreeWire, contributing her expertise to highlight the stories that matter most to the community. When she’s not reporting, Kim enjoys exploring local traditions and sharing the beauty of small-town life through her writing.
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