Friendly Christmas Lights Competition Starts Early

"Cornershow Bob" and "FedEx Pat" (and their wives) can be found "rigging up the lights" each Christmas season, and my neighborhood couldn't be happier!

Those of you who have followed my "antics" over the years here on nj1015.com (and on my "Craig's List" page, on the "weekends" page) know that I have been writing about this annual "competition" for the past few years.

"FedEX Pat" and "Cornershow Bob" pause in their work, for a photo-op! (Craig Allen photo).

Each year, both guys come up with new ideas, to top the previous year's display!

Usually, the displays get underway during the weekend AFTER Thanksgiving...

From last year: Two spectacular displays...in view of each other! (Craig Allen photo).

FedEx Pat puts up his whole display by Sunday night. And, that is how it stays.

Cornershow Bob may start that weekend...or a few days later...but his display is always a "work in progress." He adds to the merriment, right up til Christmas Day!

"One light goes out...they all go out!"--Bob Rivers/"12 Pains Of Christmas" (Craig Allen photo).

So...three weeks ago, I posted a "preview" story (click HERE to read it!).

The response from our festive lights hosts was...rather immediate.

FedEX Pat and his BIG star! (Craig Allen photo).

FedEX Pat texted me later that night:

"Go easy pal...we have a couple new ideas this year. You can thank Jen!" (Mrs. FedEX). The text was followed by two Christmas Tree emojis. JOY!

Hey, Pat...NO pressure from little ol' me...I'm just readying your lights-adoring masses!

Ginni (Mrs. Cornershow) replied on social media:

"We've started our Christmas lighting extravaganza. It's going to take a good solid month to get it all done. We are going all out this year. Look for us on the 101.5 Craig Allen blog. I'm sure Craig will start his blogging about our house and our neighbor Pat and Jen."

As a former co-worker of mine would oft say: "You Betcha!"

Its Cornershow's ladder...but where is he? (Craig Allen photo).

And, yes...true to Ginni's word, Cornershow Bob has started...EARLY.

Tuesday evening (remember that it was a warm day), as I was headed back to New Jersey 101.5, I spied Bob out in the front yard, putting up the first "pieces" of their soon-to-be-extravagant display for 2015.

Santa's Candy Cane Landing Strip...its best after dark... (Craig Allen photo).

Did I mention that he was "decorating" by floodlights?

That's commitment!

The "friendly competition" will really be underway in about 7 days.

As "Cornershow Ginni" advised me: "Watch for it!"

'Tis the season! (Craig Allen photo).