News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

Taking a drive to enjoy Christmas light displays is a seasonal tradition in many places. When people stop at 142 Country Club Blvd for Ken and Julia Berry’s Christmas House light show, however, they have the opportunity to make a donation that can light up the lives of children and their families when they need it most.

In 1999 Ken and Julia Berry partnered with the 139 Children’s Fundraising Society, and the lighted birdhouse at the edge of the yard became the place where people could leave donations. Over the past 10 years the Berry family has raised $11,509.36 for the 139 Children’s.

(In this photo: Ken Berry. The Christmas House at 142 Country Club Blvd will light up the sky tonight and throughout the season as a popular Williams Lake fundraising tradition.)

Tonight the lights are officially lit, and from now until January 3 people will have the chance to appreciate the artistry, variety and dedication that Ken Berry puts into his Christmas displays, and can take the opportunity to donate to a great cause.

New this year is a forest of mini-light trees programmed into the Christmas music throughout the yard, adding to the spectacular, whimsical and entertaining displays. These include Santa in the Lighted Treehouse, the Penguin Hockey Rink, the Northern Lights Mine & Trail, Santa and his Sleigh and Reindeer, the Gingerbread House, engine 139 and the Penguin Express Train, the Cariboo Pens Choir, as well as lighted gifts, lighted deer, penguin fishermen, skiers and sledders and many Christmas inflatables.

Throughout the year friends and family collect stuffed penguins for Ken to use in his displays and Ken’s dad, who volunteers at a hospital auxiliary store, keeps his eye out for things to add to Christmas House in Williams Lake.

“One of our local stores, Rona, even calls me to let me know what items are on sale in case I need them---how’s that for service?” Ken said.

“Every two days there will be something new at Christmas House, so every visit will include festive changes throughout the season,” he continued. “If you enjoy Christmas light displays and would like to support the 139 Children’s Fundraising Society, come and visit us between 5pm and 10:30pm----the penguins are waiting!”

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