By Kim Hilsenbeck.
What started out as some lights synchronized to music evolved into light show with about 40,000 bulbs in a range of displays in the front yard of Shannon Cameron of Elliott Ranch near Buda.
She explained how her husband, Brett, got her family into holiday light shows.
“He has always loved shows of any types – at concerts, fireworks shows to music and light shows at the holidays with music,” Cameron said. “He is also extremely difficult to buy for so a few years ago he got his Christmas present early – a Light-O-Rama 16-channel light box with software to program and design lighting sequences to your choice of music. He was thrilled.”
She said Brett and their sons, Ian and Logan, spent a month or more planning, borrowing and creating their own light/music sequences for Christmas music. But they weren’t satisfied.
“They have so much fun and kept designing greater plans after researching online, etc.,” she said. “Last year the boys went really big! Our light show has grown from 1 16 channel light box to now five for a total of 80 separate lighting control channels – giving them ultimate flexibility.”
Each year Ian Cameron of Elliott Ranch helps his father, Brett, set up the family’s holiday lights in the front yard. But it’s no ordinary light display. They and brother Logan use five different synchronized systems to mesh the lights with Christmas music creating an impressive visual effect. Last year, Ian came up with the idea to invite people to see the light show and donate canned goods to the food bank at a church in Buda. He received about 200 lbs. of food. This year, his goal is to get 500 lbs.
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Cameron said they build multicolored trees and have a 30-minute light show set to some of their favorite holiday songs. The lights are all blinking, flashing and fading in and out to the beat.
Cameron’s son, Ian, decided last year to do the show in a way that benefitted the greater community. He used it as an opportunity to ask for food donations to the food pantry at Santa Cruz Catholic Church.
“He even went in front of our Home Owners Association to ask them to open our neighborhood gates to let others in to see the show without calling us for entrance,” Cameron said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t approve his request but it didn’t stop him.”
With help from his parents, Ian got the word out to friends and neighbors. Last year, he collected about 200lbs of food.
“This year, we are doing the same thing but his goal is 500 lbs of food to donate!” Cameron said.
Again this year, the Elliott Ranch HOA did not approve for the gates to be open once a week to allow Buda/Kyle area folks to drive by and donate to the cause. Undeterred, Cameron said the family is still spreading the word as far and wide as possible.
“The boys truly enjoy doing this show,” she said. “They start setting it up in November and have a number of hand-built items to make it easier and interesting. They love it and I love watching their enthusiasm and seeing them work together.”
Cameron said the show officially began Dec. 1 and will run through New Year’s Day.
“It starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends around 8:55 p.m., running in loops of about 28 minutes per show,” she said.
Her message to area residents?
“We’d love you to check it out!”
You can view the Cameron’s display at 455 W Overlook Mtn Rd. in the Elliott Ranch neighborhood. At the gate box, look up Cameron and the family can buzz you in.
