To the Editor,
For the past 19 years, many folks from the Newton Daily News’ reading audience has visited our annual Christmas light display near Pella. This summer the Scott Bailey family, who lives nearby, generously offered to help decorate our landscape for Christmas 2011. We thought it would be of interest to the public to inform them that we again will light up for the holidays. This will be our 20th season, known as “Dutch Christmas in the Country.”
Presently, we decorate 2.5 acres with 55,000 lights, including 110 trees and bushes. Twelve units make up our Dutch Village located on the banks of two ponds, giving it the appearance of a village by the sea, which is very common in Holland. Angels and doves hover in the sky and comical Dutch characters appear to be skating on ice. Sacred music can be heard as you drive up and down our private drive, which will be open to the public for better viewing of the display area. However, for safety reasons we do ask folks to stay in or with their vehicles.
There is no charge for visiting this annual display. The lights are turned on at 5:15 p.m. and off at 10:30 p.m. nightly Nov. 21 through Dec. 31. Our home is located one mile northwest of Pella at 669 210th Ave. From downtown Pella, follow Washington Street west to 210th Avenue and follow the signs. Highway 163 traffic should take exit 40 and follow the signs.
John and Birdie deVries
Pella