Alex Paul
Clarence and Rita Clever’s yard is always neat and trim but come December, the family’s Epps Lane property leaps to life with colorful Christmas figures.
Combined with the efforts of their neighbors, the Clevers have created a fantasy land of holiday lights and figures for young and old alike to enjoy during the holidays.
This year’s display is more enjoyable than ever, thanks to the donation of several animated holiday features from John and Kay Kunzman.
The Kunzmans hosted a Christmas display for several years, but their animated figures and displays have sat idle since 1993.
“John and Kay made us a deal we couldn’t refuse,” Clarence Clever said. “He said that if we would promise to display the pieces, we could have them.”
Friday evening, after the annual lighted Christmas parade, Epps Lane was filled with a steady stream of cars and trucks, with little ones watching in awe as they slowly passed by the twirling penguins (handmade by Mrs. Kunzman),
They saw the train station and Honey Bear dipping his hand into the honey jar. Playful raccoons peek from their boxed hideaways.
The Clevers have lived on Epps Lane since 1987 and began putting their holiday display together in 1989.
Clarence cuts the animated figures based on patterns purchased from the Winfield company.
Rita then painstakingly brings the plywood figures to life through endless hours of detailed painting.
“I would say my favorite display is Santa sneaking up the ladder,” Mrs. Clever said.
The Clevers and their neighbors keep displays lit until about 10:30 p.m. during the week and a little later on weekends.
“It’s amazing how much people enjoy it,” Mrs. Clever said. “If they see us out working on something, quite often people will come up to thank us. One lady, who was having a hard time financially, said it meant so much to her and the little kids are always excited.”
The Clevers try to add something new each year but this year’s donation from the Kunzmans was a major event.
“I usually spend quite a bit of time replacing lights but a few years ago I switched to commercial grade lights and it really has made a difference,” Clarence said. “Rita does a lot of touch up painting. We have a backlog of patterns to put together.”
A life size nativity scene took Mrs. Clever from July to November to paint but she adds that the pattern company’s attention to detail really adds to the finished product.
A gazebo in neighbor Bennie Dahblenburg’s yard will be put to good use December 21, from 5-7 p.m. when members of the Hillside Fellowship church will sing Christmas carols.
Santa Claus will be there, too.
The Clevers say they get as much good feeling out of the display as it gives to others.
“It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it,” they agreed.