What started as a dream and a love of the holidays for Lane Wetherington has evolved into a winter wonderland filled with hundreds of trees and millions of lights.
- Lane Wetherington started 'Christmas Lane' in 1980s
- 'Christmas Lane' is now at Florida Strawberry Festival grounds
- Attraction features a 35-foot tree, displays, live entertainment
Wetherington's "Christmas Lane" attraction is being held at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds this year and features a 35-foot-tall tree, different displays, live entertainment and a live Nativity scene.
His love of holiday décor started as a young child.
"You know when you're a child, you always dream of the magnitude of things, what it could be, how big, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would actually become reality," Wetherington said.
"I always had a fascination of lights, even as a child, and my birthday is in November, so I always asked for Christmas lights for my birthday," Wetherington said.
In the early 1980s, Wetherington started stringing lights outside his family’s home. People from near and far would make the trip to see his holiday display.
The attraction got so big that Wetherington had to move to a larger location.
"The most rewarding part of it is not only the children but parents, grandparents... when they walk in and they say 'ah' and their eyes are aglow," Wetherington said. "That's heartwarming. You can't beat that."
Christmas Lane is open nightly through Dec. 25. For more information visit www.christmaslane.com.