'They say it brings joy to the neighbourhood': Winnipeg home lights up Charleswood
It is a scene right from the script of the movie “Christmas Vacation” starring Chevy Chase, and for one Charleswood resident, it could give Chase's character a run for his money.
Ted Hasiuk has been lighting up his home for over two decades, and each year it gets a little more elaborate.
“Part of it is for the attention; plus it does help to brighten up the winter nights,” said Hasiuk.
As it has grown, the display has expanded from the house to include other non-traditional locations.
“My not so trusty, very rusty Dodge Caravan,” said Hasiuk.
The lit van will sit idle until the spring before it transitions from a yard decoration to a mode of transportation.
Hasiuk admitted some of his best ideas are stolen from friends and colleagues, others, he said, people let him borrow.
This year, new additions year includes 1,600 new lights on a fence and a tree. There is also an arbour Hasiuk has not yet set up, just in the front of the house.
“People stop when they see me decorating and they say it brings joy to the neighbourhood. They say you don’t know how many people actually like it so out of the blue, strangers,” said Hasiuk.
“It’s kind of neat and makes it all worthwhile.”
The time spent is considerable. Hasiuk estimates there are somewhere between 23,000 to 24,000 lights and about 100 hours of his time.
“Light bulbs burn out, squirrels chew the strings, all that sort of stuff.”
It is not all fun and games. Hasiuk said he does feel pressure to get things up and it isn’t until the finish line is in sight that he starts to, “see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Hasiuk began stringing lights back at the end of September. Two months later, he has a couple of hours left.
The 71-year-old said sometimes, it was hard to gain momentum with blown fuses and inconvenient snowfalls. The key, Hasiuk said, is to be methodical and get a light tester.
The house is located on Fairmont Road south of Grant Avenue.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.