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Christmas lights back on for Vista Drive family

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

AUBURN - A day after the Vista Drive Christmas light show went dark, it was turned back on Tuesday.

An Auburn police officer was on the scene, "making sure things don't get ugly," said police Lt. Gary Boulet.

Whether the lights stay on for what some people have called Maine's best display of Yule lights depends on how people behave.

The show features dramatic lights that seem to dance and change in color and brilliance to the tune of music played on radio station 88.1.

The intent is to have the lights on from 5 to 8 p.m. weekdays, longer on weekends.

"But we will take one day at a time," according to the Web page Jamie and Karen Loggins created for the show at their home. The Web page is: www.auburnlights.com.

Monday night the lights went off after one motorists threatened to run over Val Nelson, the mother of the Auburn doctor who built the display.

And, two other motorists argued with Karen Loggins and her mother-in-law. Loggins and Nelson stood in the cold directing traffic so that vehicles didn't block the road or neighbors' driveways.

After someone threatened to run Nelson over, Loggins decided "it isn't worth it" and turned off the lights.

"It truly saddens my heart that something built to share nothing but the joy of the season had to be ruined for so many people by the actions of a few," the Web site stated. "If you cannot bring along consideration and patience while visiting our display, please do not come."

In Tuesday's Sun Journal Web page blog, a number of people said they're interested in volunteering to help the Loggins manage the display.

However police discourage civilians from directing traffic on a public road. "It's a nice idea," but there could be a liability factor if they created an accident, Boulet said. "I wish we could" use volunteers, he added. Only trained professionals such as an officer or a flagging company should direct traffic.

But volunteers could contact the Loggins and offer to stand in their driveway with flashlights telling people to keep moving, police said. "I'm sure the owners wouldn't mind a little help," Boulet said.

In spite of the negative actions of a few, there have been positive interactions with considerate people, Jamie Loggins said.

He said he feels bad for people who rounded up their family, sometimes traveled a distance, to find the lights out. That was the last thing they wanted people to experience, he said.

Auburn police said Tuesday they intend to have an officer on the scene at least part of the night to ensure those who drive by don't block the road or become rude if told to move.

"Some people don't take things very well, even during Christmas," Boulet said.

To view a video of the Auburn lights, go to: www.sunjournal.com.

CLICK HERE To Show/Hide Discussion Thread - (4 Comments)
Comments
Posted By:nellie at December 13, 2006 7:15 AM (Suggest Removal)
I'm just glad the lights are back on. I think it is beautifull. And want to thank the Loggins for doing this for us. I am sorry that there are some people in these 2 cities that are so ungreatfull.It goes on every day around here no respect for people or other peoples property. Thank you to the Loggins for the beautifull display. I hope it is there every year.

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Posted By:Belinda at December 13, 2006 10:18 AM (Suggest Removal)
The disrespect, lack of education,lack of respect is NOT just in this geographic location. It is everywhere. There are always a select few that will creat chaos if they can. We as a community just feel it right now because of this situation. By joining together to show zero tollerance for the unacceptable behavior we will overcome the few. Learning only happens when there is education provided. I am thrilled that the lights are back on. I stand by my offer to volunteer also. If it's driveway standing that must happen, then maybe even some of the unfortunate other property owners that have been trapped in their driveways would consider allowing a volunteer to stand in their driveway. A condensed training could also take place on the proper way to direct by Auburn Police also if necessary. Thus relieving them of some stressful situations. Thanks for reading my post and Happy Holidays to all.

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Posted By:Paul at December 13, 2006 2:30 PM (Suggest Removal)
DIVING BY IS ONE THING BUT DRIVING MILES OR GOING OUT OF YOUR WAY TO SEE THIS TELLS JUST HOW BORING LA IS GET A LIFE LA DOES SJ SEAM HARD UP FOR NEWS LATELY OR IS IT JUST ME

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Posted By:Marilyn at December 13, 2006 2:39 PM (Suggest Removal)
It's great they put the lights back on.Thank you to the Loggins family. I do hope that people will be more respectful now so it doesn't ruin it for anyone else again. Maybe Vista Drive is just not a big enough area to handle all that traffic. In the city I grew up in Massachusetts has a big park where you pay a small fee per carload to be able to drive thru and see all the lighted displays they had set up. From what I understand it is very successful. I realize it's something the Loggins wanted to do for the public in their own special way. So you're saying, "where could we do something like that?" The only idea I can think of is a place like the state park in Poland. Any other ideas? Just a thought.

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