For the past ten years, the Sowell family has welcomed area residents to visit their residence, located near NAS Whiting Field, to see their ever growing Christmas light display.
“There is nobody that does big displays anymore,” said event organizer Michelle Sowell. “I just kept collecting and collecting (light displays)…so many families look forward to it every year.”
With the help of her family, Sowell sets up more than half a million of holiday lights for the enjoyment of local families.
Sowell said each year she adds something new to the attraction. In addition to adding a few light displays, the family has added ‘Bagdad’ a live camel, which is appropriately seen near a lighted manger scene. Also the Sowell’s added ‘Elf Café.’ Not only can resident purchase $1 train tickets, they can also purchase popcorn and hot chocolate and get their picture taken with Santa Claus.
While Sowell previously only accepted donations for driving through the display, she is now asking $5 per car load to go through the display and one dollar per person to ride on the passenger train, which travels through the five acres of Christmas lights.
“I made it affordable for everybody,” she said.
Sowell said the proceeds help pay the high electric bill. Last year’s electric bill from the month of December was more than $2,000, she said.
On certain school-themed nights, the Sowells will donate a portion of the proceeds to a local school.
Ashlie Abbott, Sowell’s daughter continues to assist her mother by volunteering. In addition to running the light display’s social media site on Facebook, she also is often assists at the Elf Café.
“We have more and more people come each year,” Abbott said.
Abbott said the display also brings in visitors from out of town, including places like Destin or Brewton, Ala.
The Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Lights display is located at 7650 Sowell Road in Milton. The display is open every night of the week from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on the Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Lights Display visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sowellsnorthpole.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: More attractions added to Sowell Christmas lights display