Several years ago I began looking for ways to make my display more than just a bunch of bright lights.  My Christmas displays had been a hit for several years, and they had always attracted crowds, but I wanted to do more.  I wanted to create a display unlike anything ever seen.  I wanted something spectacular that would be a worthwhile gift to my community.

I had always loved the big fireworks shows around the 4^th of July, especially the ones that were synchronized with music.  I wanted to create something similar with my Christmas lights.  In an effort to make my dream a reality I began a quest to come up with a way to make my lights dance to music.  I dabbled in home brew controllers with mixed results.  I used color organs but things didn't turn out like I wanted.  I tried some of the early computer control programs but was never happy with how things turned out.  I needed something more.  Something that was easy to use, versatile, and affordable.

When the very first PlanetChristmas Lights Up Symposium was announced I was very excited.  There was talk of having vendors on site that could demonstrate their products.  One of the vendors would be Dan Baldwin, and he would be showing off his new product called Light-O-Rama.  I had to be there.  I booked a hotel room and registered for PLUS.

That first PLUS was fantastic.  It was a real treat to finally meet people that, until then, I had only known over the Internet.  I was in heaven.  The classes were great and the conversations with other enthusiasts were exciting.  I learned new things and got all sorts of new ideas for my display.  I learned new methods of anchoring and erecting large displays.  I saw the stunning effects of non-traditional display items such as bubble machines and strobe lights.  I got some great ideas on building wireframes.  I learned about designing Christmas Websites, etching PC boards, repairing light strings, and how to deal with difficult neighbors.  The formal education was better than I could have imagined. 

Between classes I spent time chatting with enthusiasts from all over the continent.  We shared ideas and made life-long friendships.  As I talked with other enthusiasts my imagination went wild, and new ideas flooded my brain.  I imagined building giant archways, tall spinning trees, and lighted backdrops.  The ideas just kept flowing.

One of the best things that happened at PLUS 2003 was when I met Dan Baldwin in person.  I had hundreds of questions about his new product.  I spent what seemed like hours talking with Dan and having him show me what Light-O-Rama could do.  I was sold.  I knew that Light-O-Rama, coupled with the myriad of creative ideas flowing through my brain, were exactly what I needed to take my display to the next level.  A few short months later Light-O-Rama was officially released and I was one of the very first customers.

That first PLUS sparked something inside of me and I knew that I would never be the same.  But I had no idea how much my life would change.

When I returned home to Utah I immediately began work on my display.  I designed and built a giant metal archway to span my driveway.  I built a life-size angel that would fly above the display.  I built several small arches that would create a walking path through my display.   I built mini tripod trees that would chase across the front yard.  I bought a bubble machine and strobe lights.  I built stars that would top my giant pine trees.  I was inspired to give my display a name.  I would call it "Christmas Utah."

It was around October when my first Light-O-Rama controllers arrived.  I began learning how to use the software and started programming sequences.  The work continued right up until the night after Thanksgiving when I held my lighting ceremony.  The new Christmas Utah was an instant hit.  Cards and letters started to pour in from complete strangers who had driven by to see the lights.  They thanked me for my efforts.  They told about the feelings that came over them as they watched the light show.  For some it brought back memories of Christmas when they were small children.  For others it brought a feeling of Christmas joy.  Christmas Utah was changing lives and creating memories.

Following that successful Christmas season I was even more motivated.  I continued to find new ways to create joy with my display.  I built new display pieces and I spent time on the computer, programming new light sequences.

In 2004 HGTV contacted me and asked if they could include my display in their Christmas special, "Outa Control Christmas."  HGTV sent film crews two different times in November.  The show aired several times during the Christmas season.

In the summer of 2005 I attended the second PlanetChristmas Lights Up Symposium.  I had volunteered to be on the Steering Committee.  PLUS 2005 was another success.  While I wasn't able to attend many classes, because of my Steering Committee duties, I was still inspired by all of the other people who attended.  We spent many hours each evening talking about Christmas lights.  We shared ideas and learned from each other.  The motivation that began at PLUS in 2003 was reenergized.  I returned home with an even greater determination to give my community an experience it would never forget.

2005 and 2006 were both banner years at Christmas Utah.  After using Light-O-Rama for a few years I was learning the tricks that made an unforgettable light show.  I learned that creating shows with Light-O-Rama is an art form.  Through my experience I found ways to evoke emotions by coupling the right music with the right light effects.  Every new computer sequence was better than the last. 

The crowds kept coming.  The lines of cars waiting to see the display got longer and longer.  Often people waited in line for over an hour just to get a glimpse of the show.  Once they finally arrived at the display they would be grinning from ear to ear.  It was a magical experience.  Christmas Utah was creating memories that would last and last.

Now it is once again time to attend another PLUS.  It is time to recharge my creative batteries and be flooded with new ideas.  I am excited to see old friends, and begin friendships with people I haven't yet met.  I am excited to learn new things.  I am excited to see what will happen with my display after attending another PLUS.

I will be at PLUS 2007.  I hope you will be there too!

Marty Slack
Christmas Utah