Helmut Lohr of Chilliwack does it for the sheer enjoyment of anyone who sets eyes on his Bavarian Christmas Village display.
It’s a stunning Christmas tableau when the lights are turned off, and the elaborate traditional village scene is illuminated.
“I like to share it with others. They can’t believe it,” Lohr said.
Attention to detail and the artistic touch is key to transporting guests to a cozy, old-time village, replete with German architecture.
It’s become a cherished family tradition to craft something right out of his memories of his tiny hometown in Bavaria.
He included almost everything you’d find in a beautiful snow-covered village: Restaurants, a train station, city hall, a police station, a ski lift and a mountain.
A handsome family all dressed up in their holiday finest is posing for a Christmas photograph.
There are 65 beautiful houses and 300 villagers engaged in a multitude of seasonal activities, all illuminated with pretty, white lights.
There are a couple of figures skating, playing hockey on a frozen pond.
“Where I come from there’s a pond that freezes so people can play hockey.”
Having moved from Abbotsford, Lohr said he hadn’t set up his Bavarian Village display in five years. They purchased the Fiesta Loca restaurant, and it’s been keeping them exceedingly busy.
But this year he went all out with his traditional Christmas display.
“It takes a lot of time to set it up,” he admitted.
How much?
“It takes five weeks.”
They have a 15-month-old granddaughter who got to see the display this week before flying to Mexico.
“The look on her face was priceless. It was amazing. It was worth it,” said Lohr.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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