By TOM TSCHIDA
Special to Atmore News
As fall approaches, long before the Christmas season, the Roberts family can be found hard at work planning the year’s Christmas light debut. John and Sylvia start this labor of love in October – checking bulbs, fixing displays, running cords, and determining what new items to add each year.
Fifteen years ago, John hung a few sets of lights on his home just to add some magic to the Christmas season for his children. Their excitement encouraged him to make every year just a little bigger. When John and Sylvia starting seeing the excitement in the eyes of their grandchildren, well there was no stopping them! The Roberts’ grandchildren, now adults, come from as far as California and New York to see Grandpa’s handiwork.
Today, his yard is an Atmore attraction on Ashley Street. Just in the time I spent with him, a steady line of vehicles slowly made their way by. Adults and children alike gazed at the wonderment that his family has created. John was quick to point out that his display is divided into two separate and distinct areas.
One side is the “entertainment side,” which features Santa, his reindeer, snowmen, and the winter wonderland that the season brings.
On the other side is as Roberts said, “The real Reason for Christmas.” This side encapsulates the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – the birth of our Savior.
The Roberts offer this gift to the citizens of Atmore every night from dusk till 10:30 p.m.
In appreciation for their contribution to the community, the Pride of Atmore Committee has named this the Yard of the Month.