A light display once visible to planes flying into Minneapolis-St. landed. Paul International Airport and passing cars on Highway 77 return.
A magnificent oak tree on Meadowview Road in Bloomington will once again be decorated with fairy lights and will shine for the holiday season. The last time a passerby was able to enjoy the glow was over ten years ago, when Bob and Julie Little owned the house.
WCCO spoke with Bob Little the year he put his home and beloved tree up for sale. He always hoped that the new owners would continue the tradition.
“After having the house for about 10 years now, we decided why not try lighting it up again,” Marlena Hemenway said.
The Hemenways own the home and now operate Geneva Suites, an assisted living facility there. Caregivers support six residents.
“I just showed it [the residents] The pictures today and they say, 'Wow, this is going to be a Christmas miracle,'” Hemenway said.
She looks forward to bringing some seasonal joy to them and the greater community. But Hemenway says the price of this holiday hobby is high.
“At least 40,000 [lights] And that’s where the high-priced items come in,” she said.
They are asking the community to donate and help raise the thousands of dollars needed for the tree to achieve its full return.
Some have already strengthened. Hemenway called it a blessing when two outdoor lighting companies, FCR Lighting and Cleaning and Boulder Bridge Outdoor Services, offered to help with the work.
Hemenway says they hope to light the tree in early December and keep the lights on until January.
“People mention that it just brings them so much hope and so much joy, and we really hope we can continue to inspire that,” she said.