SAN ANGELO, Texas — When the sun sets during the Christmas season in Grape Creek at 7394 Billo Street, most might not expect to see a Vegasesque lights display.
But each year, when Kenneth and Sally Irvin welcome visitors to their front yard, they see people’s eyes light up about as brightly as their snowmen and polar bears.
Since 2015, the couple has put together an extravagant display during the holidays in West Texas. Visitors are greeted by bleating lambs and barking dogs in a fenced off area to the side of the house while they crane their necks to look into the eyes of a stories-high Santa Claus.
“We enjoy doing it,” Kenneth Irvin said. “We enjoy seeing the community come out and walk in the yard. The kids, the adults bringing the Christmas spirit out and the giving back.”
While an animatronic Santa Claus wishes visitors a Merry Christmas, the Irvin's open their door to give what may be their most popular gift each year. The family’s sweet butter popcorn plates are often picked clean from their house on the busiest days of the season, and while people young and old enjoy the lights, Sally cooks more to keep up with the demand.
The recipe comes from Kenneth’s side of the family, and the gooey Christmas-colored red-and-green kernels keep people coming back. According to Sally, some people even come just for the popcorn.
“Lots of Karo syrup, sugar and butter,” she said. “It is delicious. Really delicious. And I think everybody enjoys a sweet treat while they walk through the yard. It’s fun.”
The display begins at 6 p.m. each day. If it is windy or raining, the Irvins do not turn the lights on.
This year, the couple is giving away two bicycles for a boy and a girl, ages four to six. Visitors to the display can put their names in a drawing and the winners will be chosen Dec. 22. The Irvins will then personally reach out to each winning child's parents.