Chase Roberts began decorating his family’s home in the Hillbrooke subdivision with Christmas lights as a child, aspiring to grow the display each year. When Chicago native Bob Corley moved next door a few years ago, the two formed an alliance to create a magical display that spans their properties, encouraging some neighbors to join in on the fun.
A sophomore at Daviess County High School, Roberts said his primary goal is to spread the Christmas cheer and make people happy. While growing their display, the two have also begun installing lights for other people in the area.
“I’ve always enjoyed doing, but it wasn’t until I was old enough to get on the roof and expand the display that I could really see the joy around it,” Roberts said. “I definitely want to make it bigger and hopefully inspire others to put up lights.”
When the Corleys moved in, Roberts said he was amazed at how many lights they had. Corley downsized when moving to Owensboro, thus forcing him to present a more abbreviated display than he was accustomed.
Corley said he was entering a stage in his life where climbing roofs presented more challenges than it used to, so he was grateful when Roberts first extended a helping hand. He said the mere excitement he (Roberts) gets from designing and erecting the displays has always been enough and that “never asks for anything.”
“This young man is a real inspiration and a wonderful young man,” Corley said. “He definitely jumps out and is the first one to offer his help. He can be over-the-top at times, but he loves it and wants to keep on doing it.”
This season, Corley alluded to a time when Roberts asked him if he wanted to put something else up, but he declined, sighting its difficulty. When he woke up the following day, Roberts had put it up anyway.
“You don’t have to ask twice – you don’t even have to ask,” Corley said. “He’s an incredible young man. We weren’t even planning on putting them up, but he talked me into it anyway. He promised to turn the lights on and off every day.”
Those interested in taking in the displays can drive by 4100 and 4028 Horseshoe Trace for a variety of colors, dancing lights, signs, and characters.
Roberts has aspirations to continue to grow his display and potentially grow his infatuation into a part-time job, helping others in the area with their displays. He said it’s certainly a hobby that requires patience.
“Hearing kids enjoy what we’ve done – that’s my motivation. I love going out and interacting with them and hearing their thoughts,” Roberts said. “If anyone is interested in getting into it, make sure you have patience. Things will break, but you’ll learn from your mistakes and make it better next year.”
