26 • The Beacon December 17 , 2020
Family helps dad continue their 30-year tradition
By Marianne Austin
For 30 years Ed and Darlene Greer on Wilson Avenue loved lighting up their home every year for the holidays , adding more lights and attractions each year .
“ They liked to have different scenes using Santa Claus . Sometimes Santa could be seen in the chimney . One year he was falling off the roof and losing the presents . That was fun . That was a good one ,” their son Dahynin Wilden said .
Due to health issues , Ed Greer wasn ’ t able to do it this year , so his family decided to come together with a gift of love and string the lights to host the Last
SEND US YOUR
NEWS !
jsellers @ alonovus . com
Up to
Marianne Austin
For 30 years Ed and Darlene Greer on Wilson Avenue loved lighting up their home every year for the holidays , adding more lights and attractions each year .
Light Up on Dec . 5 , sponsored by Character Express and White Water .
“ Dad enjoyed lighting up his house . He usually started putting up the lights in September . He always enjoys the crowds coming by to see it . He said when the lights went on , it would light up the whole street . He loves the holidays and making it exciting for everyone . We ’ re getting people to help with decorating this year . My dad is particular about his lights . He ’ ll say , ‘ You need another light over here .’ Everyone helps — uncle , sister , brother-inlaw , Mom . Dad is dressing as Santa Claus . He ’ s still going to be Santa sitting at the front door waving at the
Marianne Austin Ed Greer , dressed as Santa , sat in the doorway and waved to cars .
cars ,” Wilden said .
Wilden is the owner of Characters Express with access to many character
costumes . He was the Grinch on the roof while other family members waved and handed out candy canes as
Frosty the Snowman , an Elf , Woody from Toy Story and other characters .
“ The light display was supposed to be from 7-8 , but people were already coming by a little after 6 , so I hurried and put my Grinch costume on and got up on the roof . There were well over 100 cars while I was there , but my mom said cars still drove by for a while after that ,” Wilden said .
Sponsor White Water is a water hauling business owned by Dahynin ’ s brother Drayson Wilden . Drayson Wilden was the Elf , his son Trey was Frosty and wife Cara handed out candy canes .
“ We are usually in the Christmas parade , so with it being canceled , this was a great way to celebrate the holiday ,” Drayson Wilden said .
Editor ’ s note : Ed Greer passed away on Tuesday , Dec . 8 , 2020 at his home with his family by his side . This story was written before his death .
EARLY
EARLY SEASON SEASON INSTANT INSTANT T RETAIL RETAIL REBATE REBATE UP UP TO TO $ 500 500 OFF OFF SELECT SELECT PLOWS PLOWS
!
$
1,000 OFF on Select “ Classic ” Series Sno-Way Plows
Sno-Way ’ s patented Down Pressure ® snow plow hydraulics is by far the ultimate snow removal equipment upgrade and only Sno-Way has it . Scrape or backdrag more snow in less time resulting in 30 % more efficiency .
† †
Millersburg Location 1492 S . Washington St . Millersburg , Ohio 44654 ( 330 ) 674-5533
Sugarcreek Location 2465 1298 State Route
39 Sugarcreek , Ohio 44681
( 330 ) 852-3600
www . holmesrentalandsales . com
†† OFFER VALID ON SELECT NEW SNO-WAY PLOW PACKAGES THROUGH 10 12 // 31 / 17 / 20 ,, SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS && RESTRICTIONS . .
BF-00500188