CRESTVIEW — A number of North Okaloosa residents celebrate the holidays with festive front-lawn displays, but one family decorates the house for an additional reason: to support a cause.
The Nevilles have presented Watts Up Crestview, a 20-minute light show at their Shoal Lake neighborhood home, since 2006. Matthew Neville, a technical sergeant at Hurlburt Field, synchronizes holiday music with a 32,000-light display. Visitors can tune their radios to 94.5 FM to see and hear the 20-minute show.
Watch video of the synchronized light show>>
Watching the display is free, but guests are encouraged to make a donation to Special Olympics Okaloosa County. A locked donation box, built by Neville and his 9-year-old daughter, Kaelyn, sits outside the house for collections.
Theresa Mouer, assistant director for the county's Special Olympics, said she appreciates the support.
"I think that this is absolutely wonderful," she said. "(Neville) has been bending over backward to accommodate these athletes."
Such efforts include an invitation for Special Olympics athletes to see Watts Up Crestview's last display of the season on Jan. 4. Neville will present a check to the organization's representative between 6 and 7 p.m.
As for this year's show, visitors will hear music from "Iron Man 3," along with the Florida State University fight song.
That's fine by Eddie Carraquillo, the Nevilles' neighbor.
"As long as I can get a vehicle in and out (of the driveway), I don't care," he said.
Carraquillo said he and his family annually anticipate the display and seeing how it affects visitors.
"If it gives anybody 15 to 20 minutes of relaxation, then that's great," he said.
With the work in setting up the display and paying higher electric bills, Neville said the entire process is a labor of love.
"This is completely worth it," he said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Watts Up Crestview, a synchronized Christmas light and music show
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
WHERE: 3004 Renee Court, Crestview
COST: Free
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Christmas light show benefiting area Special Olympics (VIDEO)