Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Joe Day didn’t know how construction at the Wye (US 50 and US 421) in Versailles would affect his holiday display. Last year he wasn’t sure if that would be the last time thousands of people would mark their Christmas tradition by coming to see the more than 55,000 lights he strings across his property near that intersection. Motorists anxiously watched for the decorating to begin and on Tuesday of this week, the gigantic words, Merry Christmas, dotted the familiar landscape of the Day property.

In a telephone interview with The Versailles Republican, Day said he would put up as much as he could. “I might not be able to get all the road candles up due to construction,” he noted. He continued by saying he will put up as many of his little wooden buildings as possible, the gigantic bell, and yes, Santa with his reindeer.

While Day hasn’t got the head start he usually does in getting the display out, he says he’s giving it all he’s got and will see just how much he can get accomplished between now and Thanksgiving night, just four weeks away.

The wooden houses are complete with animated figures - all designed by Day. Several wooden shops include Santa’s Workshop, Granny’s Kitchen, Candy Shoppe, to name a few. He also has designed a teeter-totter, merry-go-round, animated snowball, Christmas tree village, snowmen, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sleighs filled with characters, nutcracker and much more. Of course, the focal point is a giant Bible turned to the birth of Christ, and a nativity scene depicting the Christ child. The accomplished woodworker has been thrilling thousands of people for the past 29 years, this year marks 30, he noted.
The beginning was humble. It was a simple request from his grandson, Nick, who said, “Papaw, we need to build something.” Something turned into something grand that thousands have enjoyed for many years.

It’s a tradition that’s hard for Day to just give up. After all, a lot of people from a number of different towns, counties, states, and yes, even countries have passed by his house and stopped to sign the register thanking him for his dedication to bringing joy to others. There has been a marriage under the 12-feet high bell that swings in the breeze. The bell is adorned with 5,800 lights and was actually designed by General Motors.

What does next year hold? Well, Day wasn’t ready to talk about next year. “Let’s just get through this year first,” he laughed, adding, “I’m not getting any younger.” It is an enormous job to erect the display and then it has to all be taken down. Day says he’s taking it one year at a time and will see what next year brings. For now, the tradition many thought could be halted due to a change in the road has been preserved.

Where will people park? That might pose somewhat of a problem, but Day is hoping it will work out. He said he was promised that the area in front of his house would be blacktopped and be sufficient for people to turn around in. He was told by state workers the blacktopping would begin next week.
From Thanksgiving evening through the New Year holiday, the lights will twinkle at the Day home, lighting the night sky. Although the landscape has changed dramatically at the ‘Wye’ intersection at Versailles to install a traffic light, the landscape at the Day home will still spell holiday cheer.