LIVERMORE, Calif. (KRON) – For more than 40 years, a man in Livermore has put on a Christmas display that draws in thousands of people per night. This year it has nearly one million lights.
He’s known as “Deacon Dave” Rezendes at Saint Michael Catholic Church. Rezendes says he puts on this annual event to share the Christmas spirit with all.
“The children, the kids, the grandparents. The twinkle in the eyes. That’s why we do it, because small miracles happen in many different ways, especially miracles of the heart,” Rezendes said.
This year’s theme is “The world celebrates Christmas.” It is an effort to show unity worldwide.
The Christmas light bulb count is higher than ever before.
“Each year the theme is different,” Rezendes explained. “There’s been 41 different themes. We go with it and each year the light goes up slightly. There’s 902,127 lights.”
But the display goes beyond lights. The entrance has a rotating three-level tower.
There’s also an illuminated waterfall with a bridge that has become a popular place for wedding proposals.
“Proposal bridge is becoming quite famous. We had a proposal last week, one the week before. So we’ve had two this season, bringing the total to 84 wedding proposals,” Rezendes said.
Rezendes is 81 years old now. He says he relies on volunteers to put on the annual event.
“As I am getting older., I do a lot of pointing. I couldn’t do it without the team that I have. It’s probably around 30 (people),” he said.
State lawmakers have recognized Rezendes for bringing joy during the holidays, and he’s the most recent winner of a Christmas light competition reality show. He says planning and prepping is nearly year-round.
“Because the entrance structure is so large, we started in July. Normally we would start at the end of August. So I’m already working on some sketches for next year’s theme and display, which is top-secret!” he said.
It’s completely free to see this display. Donations are accepted and used for Santa’s secret service at Rezendes’ church.
“We purchase Christmas gifts and wrap them. We took almost 3,000 gifts to people in care homes, VA hospital, youth group homes,” he said.
Every night it’s open, thousands of people show up. Christmas Eve was no different. Hillcrest Avenue was lined with cars and people. This display has become an annual tradition for families.
If you haven’t visited Deacon Dave’s home yet in Livermore, you still have time. He will have it open to the public until New Year’s night. It’s open daily at 6 p.m. at 352 Hillcrest Ave.
You may be wondering how much his PG&E bill is with all those lights. Deacon Dave wouldn’t say. He did say that he has to sit down when he opens it, and it feels priceless when seeing how happy the display makes people.
