Jerry Frank never expected to need help setting up the annual Lights and Sounds of Christmas display. For years, he and his family have quietly transformed their home into one of Lloydminster’s brightest holiday traditions.
But after running into a medical issue this fall, even the simplest setup jobs became harder. So he asked the community for help.
The community answered.
Over the weekend, the U15 AA Blazers from Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association showed up in force, spending hours hauling decorations, setting up displays and getting the holiday walkthrough ready for opening night.
“They did a ton of stuff for us,” said Frank. “The community has really rallied around and helped a lot.”
LMHA General Manager Dan Auchenburg said the players didn’t step up for recognition. They stepped up because that is part of LMHA’s culture, helping quietly when someone in the community needs it.
“This is just one example of how our teams give back,” he said. “Jerry needed a hand, so the kids showed up. That’s what we want hockey to teach.”
Frank also received help from Cenovus volunteers and long-time friends who continue pitching in as the display has grown. The first year featured roughly 14,000 lights. At its peak the front yard alone hit nearly 50,000, before shifting to RGB lighting that can create bigger shows with fewer strands.
Each year’s Christmas display collects donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Salvation Army Food Bank. Visitors can also drop off letters for Santa.
The 2025 kickoff is set for Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers will be on site with hot chocolate, cookies and pizza.
Frank hopes the display continues to do what it always has.
“Just enjoy it,” he said. “It helps people get into the Christmas spirit. Kids from two to 92 love it.”
He also asks visitors to be respectful of traffic and driveways so neighbours can come and go without issues.
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