(Daniel Pockett / Getty Images)
By Ian Firstenberg
(FREMONT, Calif.) A California suburb continued its extravagant decades-long holiday tradition, brightening up the neighborhood with hand crafted pop-culture decorations. According to KGO video part of this year's theme was Sesame Street.
For more than five decades a Fremont neighborhood has delivered hand crafted figures and spectacular light shows that have bedazzled residents across the Bay Area.
"Crippsmas place is a neighborhood holiday display and fundraiser, started in the 1960s on the street Cripps Place," said Kate Amon, Crippsmas Place Coordinator. "The motto of our Crippsmas Club is for community, charity, and childhood joy, but it is a little different this year."
The name was inspired by the street name of the man who began the tradition in the 1960s. He lost his mother to cancer and used the holiday tradition as a way to raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
"I felt it was important to continue the tradition of Crippsmas Place because it does so much good," said Amon.
This holiday's light show will raise money for six charities for a variety of causes including cancer, wildlife protection and family resources.
The entire show takes place over five streets now and is entirely put together by neighborhood volunteers, who make the elaborate displays out of plywood.
"We do it throughout the year and we try to put out new stuff," said Elizabeth Haddad, neighbor and creator of the plywood cut-outs. "We select which decorations we are going to create. We all enjoy having this display at the end of the year."
This year naturally looks a bit different as neighbors are encouraging visitors to stay in their cars for obvious health reasons.
"During this crazy 2020 pandemic year, I am happy that we will be bringing some festive, safe, joy to people that is sorely needed and it also shows the extent of community," said Amon.