LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — Western New York can count on Tony Dittmer and Lancaster's Stony Brook and Quail Run Development neighborhoods to put on a show this time of year.
The 17th annual Stony Brook Legendary Lights are in full swing Thanksgiving night and run through New Year's Day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dittmer said it takes 100 hours to make his home come to life! He starts decorating around Halloween each year.
"I enjoy it," Dittmer said. "You have to like doing it and I love how the neighbors enjoy it. The very high areas like the high peaks, I can't climb that high. Maybe the word is, I won't climb up that high, but I do everything else myself. Everything in the yards, trees in the yards, the nativity scene."
It was a calm night for the first night of the lights. I caught up with Elma resident Kim Tront viewing the lights, she plans to bring her kids the next time.
"It starts the whole Christmas season," Tront said. "It's magical, first of all, that a whole community can be unified like this, especially for Christmas. The fact that they always choose a great charity to help raise money for."
For Brandy Zimmerman and her daughter Arya, it is a tradition that began during the pandemic.
"It was safe not getting too close to anybody, so we started coming on Thanksgiving nights," said Zimmerman. "That's what we do every Thanksgiving. We have dinner together and then we come together and look at all the lights."
Arya said she loved everything about the lighting experience.
Lancaster native Julie Trzaska now lives in Cheektowaga but the tradition she enjoyed as a child, continues with her family.
"It's beautiful," said Trzaska. "It's a wonderful cause. It's easy to park since my parents still live here. It's a fun thing to bring the kids to while we can."
"The whole charity drive, we can thank the neighborhood for this. It isn't one house. This house doesn't do it. It takes 300 and some houses in the neighborhood that gets involved in helping families and friends, and people less fortunate that can benefit from what we do," Dittmer added.
The mesmerizing lights are a must-see display that will impress folks of all ages. Pro-tip for those visiting for the first time: On busy nights, it is best to park and then walk around the neighborhood.
This year's Stony Brook Legendary Lights donation recipient is the Lancaster-Depew Boys and Girls Club. There is no admission cost, but donations are accepted.
