While the annual Christmas display dropped by Beacon Light hasn’t been picked up by another entity, one homeowner in town is welcoming the community to see his decorations and visit with Santa on Saturdays.

Ron McCool of 184 Rutherford Run in Bradford Township, said the Christmas display at his home fills his front yard and hillside and is bound to please all. In addition, Santa will be in front of the house from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, and every Saturday leading up to Christmas.

“Santa even has a sleigh down there (near the road) for pictures,” McCool added.

McCool said he began setting up the displays in front of his home 15 years ago when a neighbor offered to give him additional lights and decorations.

Throughout the years, Santa, who is occasionally assisted by helpers, stands in front of the house to greet children. In addition, Santa has a mailbox in front of the house for children’s letters. McCool said Santa welcomes all children, and even senior citizens, to come and visit and receive candy canes.   

He said visitors who drive up the dead-end road are welcome to turn around in his driveway, or travel farther up the road to a dirt turn-around area. During the drive back down the road, they will see the full effect of the 132 lights and fixtures on the hillside behind the house.  

McCool said friends at his workplace, Zippo Manufacturing Co., advised him to take some of the Beacon Light decorations, but he didn’t do this because he already has more than enough displays.

In October, Beacon Light officials on East Main Street announced that they had to give up their Christmas decorations on the front lawn, as well as visits by Santa and his helpers, due to a lack of resources. At the time, Beacon Light had offered to donate the displays to an organization or business in town that would want to display them.

John Policastro, spokesman for Beacon Light, said he had hoped another organization would take the decorations, but had no takers.

“We are putting a few small items out this week I think and we did use some of the decorations on our float in the Bradford (Christmas) parade,” Policastro said. “But otherwise everything has been quiet to my knowledge.”

On a final note, McCool said Santa checks his mailbox and tries to respond to children. While he doesn’t accept donations during Santa’s visits, he will accept donations left in Santa’s mailbox.