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December 10, 2011

MERRY AND BRIGHT

By Alan Burke Staff Writer The Salem News Sat Dec 10, 2011, 05:56 AM EST

BEVERLY — We've all seen them, outdoor Christmas displays so large and so elaborate that when they get turned on you expect lights to dim across town.

Such bulbous extravaganzas attract attention, they attract traffic and they sometimes attract complaints from the neighbors.

But you're not likely to get any complaints on Chipman Road. Ron Gagne's display is plenty big, with lots of lights and lots of blow-up Christmas characters.

The only difference — it's been set up in the privacy of a backyard behind a 6-foot-high stockade fence for the viewing pleasure of an audience of one.

"I'm doing it for my granddaughter, Abby," Gagne, 62, explains. "She just turned 5."

It's a lot of work and involves not a little expense — as much as an additional $400 on the electric bill for the month the lights are on. But it's all worth it, just to see those lights reflected in Abby's eyes.

"She loves it," Gagne says.

Abigail's mom and Gagne's stepdaughter, Alyson Mahler, points out the 5-year-old would be happy coming over every night to see it.

"The first time she sees it, she squeals with excitement."

Mahler estimates there are more than two dozen "big blowup characters" in the backyard, some with air-powered movement operated by remote control. Santa is there (in a helicopter no less) along with Frosty, various reindeer and Snoopy, to name a few.

It started small about three years ago, says Gagne, but year by year it's grown.

"After the Christmas season ends, all the stores will have the stuff on sale," he says.

That's when he pulls out the wallet.

"And it didn't take too long for things to get pretty extensive," he says, then pauses. "Maybe it's gotten out of hand a little bit."

Grandmother Karen Gagne has established ground rules. She allows it in the backyard with only a modest display out front. Delightful though it might be, Mahler chuckles, "Personally, if I saw it in somebody's front yard I would drive by and say 'Well, why would anyone do that?'"

For his part, Ron Gagne is resigned to hiding his lights behind a fence. He's gotten no complaints from the neighbors. And he does allow tours when asked, including from the nearby day care center.

"Sometimes, somebody might peek over the fence," he adds. "Everyone comments on how nice it is."

"He should charge admission," Mahler says.

He won't of course. Gagne, retired from the insurance business, has never lost sight of the purpose of all this holiday dazzle.