Clarion, IA – The air gets crisper, and the days shorter – that's when you start seeing them pop up, Christmas lights. They're more than just bulbs and wires; they are little sparks of happiness. When the lights turn on, everything feels cozier. The cold is more manageable and the incoming north wind less bitter. The snow feels magical rather than wet and heavy. There's an undeniable warmth that blankets us when we see holiday lights, bringing back memories.
One cherished memory shared by many Clarion residents is what my children affectionately call "The Christmas House." Situated west of Clarion along Highway 3, this festive home has become a holiday beacon, easily enjoyed even by those passing in their cars.
The proud owner, Ev Keller, has been adorning her home with holiday lights since at least 1975. For nearly 50 years, the traditional lighting of the "Christmas House" has been a source of anticipation for kids and adults alike. It officially marks the start of the Holiday season in Clarion.
"I enjoy Christmas. It is my favorite, and that's why I started decorating. I kept doing it because of the people," Keller shared thoughtfully with the Wright County Monitor. Recalling the genuine thank you cards and occasional donations she received in the mail. She expressed gratitude for the community's appreciation, although she humbly deemed the financial contributions unnecessary.
This year, as news circulated through our close-knit town that Ev might not be able to decorate due to her deteriorating eyesight at the age of eighty-six, disappointment loomed, paired with understanding. The possibility of ‘retiring’ the Christmas House was on the horizon.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Kurt and Kami Nelson, owners of the local bar-restaurant Fuel, put together a plan. The couple sent out a call for volunteers to carry on the tradition. More than 20 individuals gathered a week before Thanksgiving to ensure the Christmas House tradition continued.
"This was just totally awesome. It brought people together," Keller stated. The outpouring of support, she said, epitomizes Iowa and the spirit of Clarion.
When questioned about the future of her display and whether this volunteer effort would become an annual tradition, Keller expressed gratitude for just having it done this year. The grand lighting, where she lights the display on the night of Thanksgiving, is something she usually enjoys with family.
Keller’s display is not just lights but is a symbol of the connections that make Clarion a community like no other. As Ev lights the display on Thanksgiving night, surrounded by family and friends, we are reminded that the true magic of the upcoming holiday season is about coming together and illuminating the darkest nights with the warmth we share.
More than twenty volunteers set up Ev Keller’s traditional light display. (Photo: K. Nelson)
