News : Labor of light and love: Heidi Kersten continues family's Christmas tradition

As she walks along the fence that separates her property from 22, Heidi Kersten discusses the dozens of Christmas displays made by her family over the years. Everyone who has driven the Kersten property since Heidi's dad, Larry, put up his first lights and moving displays in 1964 seems to have their own personal favorite. "Dad liked the airplane," says Heidi, referring to a plane Larry made with a variety of old parts from engines, with a radiator fan for a propellor. Inside the cockpit is a stuffed Santa Claus. Those who slowly drive by the displays during the holiday season can see many souvenirs of society as it changed and welcomed new characters. The Space Race was under way in the early years, so it was natural for Larry to make a rocket, as well as a Santa caught in a tree in a landing module. The Flinstones then joined the line-up, and the Scooby-Doo crew, too. Later, "Love Is..." characters came along, and Precious Moments, Care Bears and Cabbage Patch Kids, as well. There are many Santa and reindeer displays, including a sleigh being pulled by eight Santas with moving legs and a reindeer holding the reins. A personal favorite of many (including this writer) was the Santa that peeks from a chimney with his finger over his lips in the famous "Shhh" pose. A patriotic theme was inspired by the Bicentennial Year of 1976; flags and even a large eagle wish America a happy holiday. Winnie the Pooh joined the line-up, along with his friends. Members of a Cedar Rapids fire station brought their small painted wooden Dalmatians -- yes, 101 of them -- and they have all been part of that display. "The Dalmatians are the only display not made by us," says Heidi. 'Blood, sweat and tears' It's a challenge, says Heidi, to keep the display going. She says she would not be able to do it without the help of her electrician friend, Mike Hepker, or the donations that cover the cost of electricity. There are three 400-amp systems that powerthe 30,000+ lights, says Hepker. "That's six times as much power as the typical house," Hepker explains. "Shorty," a wooden giraffe, contains a slot for visitors to leave donations to help with the cost of all that electricity as they leave the display area. When she was a child, Heidi and her siblings would help Larry set up the lights and displays. She remembers cranking a spool Larry had created to hold some of the largest wiring. Later, her dad created an electrical system to crank the spool -- something for which Heidi says she was very grateful for. "I have literally put my sweat and tears into this," says Heidi. "And probably a little blood, too." In addition to chronicling the changes in society, the display also hints at changes in the Kersten family. After the tragic death of Heidi's brother Kyle, in a boating accident in 1985, Larry created a "Good Shepherd" display, featuring an image of Jesus holding many sheep. "That was Mom's favorite," says Heidi, adding that Kyle's tombstone includes an image similar to that of the Good Shepherd that is part of the display. Larry once wrote a poem, declaring that the purpose of the lights was to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The death of Kyle added more meaning to the portions of the display that express faith. Heidi Kersten was recognized for her family's years of lighting up the holidays when she was named Grand Marshal of this year's Party in the Park Parade. After the death of her parents, Heidi added a tribute to them, a painted wooden portrait that is among the first thing visitors see when they arrive. Heidi is working on another tribute to Larry and Carolyn, but is not sure she will have time to finish it for this year's display. The Kersten lights survived the storm of 2011, which destroyed or damaged many of the trees that had been used in the display, and created a huge mess in the yard. That year, the display continued, but on a smaller scale. Multiple generations of many families have seen the lights. Those who slowly passed along Kersten's property decades ago with their grandparents are now visiting the display with children, or grandchildren. The City of Vinton recognized Heidi and her family for their decades of work this summer, when she was named the Grand Marshal of the Party in the Park Parade. In fact, the parade took place on the 14th anniversary of the death of Heidi's mother, Carolyn. The lights will go on Thanksgiving night, and continue until a couple days after Christmas. They go on at dusk and off at 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. The address is 5598 22nd Ave. Trail, about three miles northwest of Vinton on the blacktop that connects Vinton and Mount Auburn. See photos of the first night's lights HERE.