Decatur light display has become family tradition
For half a century, a dazzling Christmas display has lit up Fontaine Avenue in Decatur. Mary Graves first created the spectacle after a visit to Dollywood inspired her to bring festive cheer to her neighbourhood. Today, the show draws crowds with around 200,000 lights shining bright enough to be seen from blocks away.
The tradition began 50 years ago when Graves spotted a window candelabra at Dollywood. She returned home determined to recreate the magic in her own yard. Over time, the display grew into an annual event, evolving each year with new themes and decorations.
Preparations start in September, long before the lights switch on. The family paints statues, checks power meters, and tests every bulb to ensure everything runs smoothly. Cedric Harris, Graves’ son, takes on daily maintenance, clearing litter left by visitors each morning. The neighbours have embraced the tradition, agreeing to turn off the lights by 11 pm every night. The display stays up until December 29, when the family begins the process of carefully packing it away. No two years are ever the same, as the Graves family keeps up with trends and refreshes their collection. An interactive Christmas doll display adds a playful touch, inviting visitors to engage with the festive scene.
The annual show has become a local landmark, drawing admirers from across the area. With half a century of tradition behind it, the display continues to grow, blending nostalgia with new ideas. Each December, the Graves family ensures the lights keep shining—brightening the neighbourhood for another year.
