ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Don Pickrem says this will be his last Christmas for putting up outdoor decorations, after someone damaged the very detailed display that adorned his property.
TRURO, N.S. – Don Pickrem enjoyed adding to the magic of the festive season, but the damage recently caused to his property has sent his Christmas spirit plummeting.
“I’ve been decorating this house for 59 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened,” said the 88-year-old Truro man. “The nativity scene was damaged, one of the reindeer was broken and one was crushed into the ground. Some idiot must have stood right on it.”
He discovered what had taken place went he went out on the morning of Dec. 19. The footprints of one person could also be seen on the lawn.
Pickrem called Truro Police, who visited the Lane Avenue property and took pictures.
“I’ve decided, next year I’m not going to put anything out,” he said.
Beginning shortly after Remembrance Day, he spent about three weeks decorating before everything was in place.
“He used to be known as the man of lights,” said his wife, Marg. “This was one of the main places people brought their kids to see lights.
“One time a man came with his kids and told us he didn’t have Christmas spirit until he brought his kids to see these lights.
“You wonder why people destroy something like this. What’s
the purpose?”
Don used to put lights on the roof of the house until he began having knee trouble, and one year he had more than 12,000 lights around the property. He also has a large supply of extension cords.
“People often asked to come in and have their picture taken
with the lights, and it was nice to share this with people, but this is the last year,” said Don. “After what happened, I won’t be changing my mind.”
He said next year he’ll help Marg indoors, where she decorates three trees and sets up a Christmas village.