LETHBRIDGE – A festive local spectacle is drawing families from all around southern Alberta once again this year.
With 13,000 bulbs and its own radio station, 106.1 FM, the Groves Christmas Lights Display is a Lethbridge gem during the holiday season.
The lights, which are synced to the variety of Christmas songs, were inspired by 10-year-old Caleb Groves.
“My son has … has mild to modern autism, and just something with the flashing lights and the music just really clicks with him and autistic children in general,” said Scott Groves, who is Caleb’s father.
It all started eight years ago, when the family was driving around the city to look at different holiday displays. They noticed there weren’t many around, which disappointed Caleb.
“We’re like … we have to do something about this, try to get more lights out,” Groves explained. “Really, how do you encourage people to put lights up…well, start in your own backyard.”
Fast forward to seven years later, and the Groves property is now a holiday hot spot.
Caleb said the lights have made him pretty popular at school.
“Their reaction is like ‘whoa, Caleb, that’s epic’,” the young boy added. “I feel really awesome, because I feel so famous.”
He has even told his dad that he wants to keep the tradition going, when he grows up.
To raise awareness about autism, the family has placed a donation box outside with the display. All the funds will go to the Lethbridge Association for Community Living, which houses groups like the Chinook Autism Society.
If you would like to visit the Groves house, the address is 1010 14 Street South in Lethbridge.
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