Bell Road Christmas light display unites communities across Michiana
NILES, Mich -- “Even though it’s the pandemic they still enjoy it. The highlight was a couple years ago a whole bus showed up and as we were eating dinner we saw it, and that made my day and I hope I made their day too,” says Robert Giffford.
For 20 years, Gifford has been displaying a light show in St. Joseph, Michigan at his home. When in the area, by tuning in to 93.5 FM, cars can enjoy holiday music synchronized with the lights. His grandkids, growing up with the tradition, help set up the elaborate display for as long as they can remember.
“Ever since we were born. I am only 10, so I remember this always,” says the Hume Family.
Niles, Michigan also providing the community with a festive opportunity. Ken Kuespert has had his light show on Bell Road for 20 years now. His passion stems from his background in engineering.
“I have always liked Christmas lights and electronics, and I found a good mix of doing my own controls and things like that,” says Kuespert.
The Christmas light show is located at 185 Bell Road. It is a total of 15 minutes long, and the display runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The show on Bell Road also has a virtual option where now people can tune in online to watch the show from the safety of their own homes. But as December 25th approaches, Kuespter wanted an even bigger event for people to take part in. This Friday, the virtual show will feature multiple synchronized Christmas light displays from all across Michiana. Bell road will have its typical virtual display and feature 5 other remote displays in the area.
“Every year we get letters we make this tradition, we come out and see your lights and especially this year when people cannot go out and do things,” says Kuespter.
One local family comes to the Bell Road lights every single year.
“it’s really cool – we love it,” says the Deno family.
To watch the Bell Road light show visit here.
ADDITIONAL DISPLAYS:
St. Joseph County, MI: 4442 Sunny Meade Drive.
South Bend, IN: 24013 Edison Road
Granger, IN
New Buffalo, MI