By LARRY MAIER
Once again, the children of Baldwin can sleep soundly on Christmas Eve; secure in the knowledge that Santa Claus will find his way to their town. How could he miss with "The McGrath Winter Wonderland" on Bertha Drive lighting his way?
The McGrath family has always decorated their home for the holidays. But for the past 12 years, they have gone just a bit beyond the typical string of lights and glowing lawn Santa. According to Bill McGrath, the mastermind behind the masterpiece, the displays require 800 man-hours to set up and over a month of hard work. But it is certainly worth the effort.
This year's eye-popping, heart-warming, interactive, holiday extravaganza is bigger and better than ever, with over 60,000 brilliant lights and 800 festive display items decorating every square inch of the McGrath's house and yard.
"It is a labor of love that kills us in November," said a bleary-eyed Mr. McGrath. "But December is just incredibly special for us."
And, just like Santa Claus, Mr. McGrath counts on a bevy of helpers,
including his wife Jill and their children, Stephanie, William, David and Robert.
Among the helpers who Mr. McGrath relies on the most are volunteers from the Association for the Help of Retarded Children in Freeport who, for the past several years, have helped sort lights (not a small undertaking) and assemble the coloring books, which are given to all young visitors.
"I couldn't do it without the volunteers," said Mr. McGrath. "There is a certain group of friends and neighbors who help out all the time. They are the greatest"
But the best tradition of all is the money raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "We have become known as the Cystic Fibrosis house," said Mr. McGrath proudly. "Children with the disease now or people who have lost children to it in the past come to this house and find something special about it. It's the reason we do it."
Last year, thanks to the generosity of the thousands of visitors to Bertha Drive, the family was able to present the foundation with a check for $23,000 dollars. This year they hope to top that number. Plans are already underway for next year as Mr. McGrath hopes to include a merry-go-round in the display.
Something for everyone
From Santa's workshop, to racing locomotives, to a giant, spinning dreidel, there is something for everyone at the McGrath house. And every visitor has his or her favorite attraction.
Take the Eagerleavitt children of Harbor Point Road. Arielle, age 7, really likes the "Elves at work" display, especially the big-nosed elf holding the lantern. Her little sister Aurora, age 3, likes Winnie the Pooh and his friends, most likely because they are just about her size. And brother Lucas, age 6, digs the "Singin' Snowmen" and the brand new ski lift display, complete with running gondolas.
Then there are the Reinhardt girls who hail from Arthur Street. Santa's Sled is 14-year-old Heather's favorite and little Amy, age 3, likes all the moving ice skater displays. Their 12-year-old sister Kelly, like so many who visit the McGrath's each year, couldn't quite pin down her favorite. She loves "all of it."
On December 15 and 16, between 7 and 9 P.M., Santa Claus himself will make an early visit. So bring your kids, and your camera.
