In Stilwell, Kansas, homeowner Tom Barnett has captivated local residents with a dazzling holiday light display featuring over 4,000 lights. This impressive spectacle, which Barnett has developed over the past 12 years, aims to bring joy to those who drive by his home.
Every year, Barnett updates his display to ensure it remains fresh and engaging. “I change it up each year to do something different just so that everybody can smile when they drive by the house,” he explained. His creativity has not only inspired neighbors but also led him to assist the local Arboretum with their decorations.
Innovative Techniques Behind the Display
Barnett’s unique approach to lighting involves an unusual method he learned from a friend in Mission Hills. “I learned from a guy in Mission Hills, a friend of ours,” he shared. Observing this friend use a potato gun sparked Barnett’s imagination. He adapted the technique for his own use, employing a bow and arrow instead. “So, a bow and arrow comes in really handy,” he said. “I shoot an arrow over a limb with fishing line on it.”
This innovative method allows Barnett to suspend lights creatively. He weights the arrow’s head so it drops down, which enables him to tie it to a rope or string. Once that is done, he pulls it back over the limb, effectively securing the lights. “Now you have two pieces on either side of the limb, and then you tie one of those pieces on to the lights,” he explained.
A Labor of Love
The process of setting up the display is extensive, beginning in September and continuing through October and into November. Barnett enjoys the challenge and the joy it brings to others. “This is really fun,” he said. “I get a lot of joy out of doing this. It’s just something to do to make people smile.”
Barnett’s commitment to his holiday light display not only showcases his creativity but also underscores the impact that personal initiatives can have on community spirit. As the festive season approaches, his home in Stilwell stands as a beacon of light and cheer, inviting everyone to stop by and enjoy the spectacle he has lovingly created.
