Wrenshall News: Residents light the way

By the time the English poet John Milton had completed his epic poem “Paradise Lost” in 1664, he was completely blind. He dictated most of the verse to his aides, which included his three daughters. That is partly why the theme of light plays so heavily in the text with many references to the light inside of us and comparisons between salvation and light: “Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light.”

Written at a time of political upheaval in Britain, Milton uses the poem to mirror his despondence with his country’s state of affairs, but still holds onto hope and optimism in human potential.

Here, the daylight is at its shortest and it’s hard to not take the loss of light personally. Some folks leave for work before the sun rises and come home well after it sets. It is a wonderful solace to have neighbors who offer us joy through holiday lights and extension cords.

This is the fifth year Wrenshall has put on a “Deck the WrensHALL” lighting contest. Judging for the best light display within a 1-mile radius of city limits took place last week, and I talked to mayor Gary Butala about the process.

“My wife and I drove around looking,” he said. “It is really nice that folks took the time to do this. It is a wonderful thing for the kids.”

Butala was joined by city councilmembers in the decision-making process and the awards went to the following:

First place: Garden Terrace, the assisted living facility, 424 Mason Drive, for businesses; 768 Cemetery Road for residences.

Second place: 868 Cemetery Road for residences.

Third: 325 Goad Road for residences.

Honorable mention went to residences at 406 Goad Road and 416 Lily Lane.

Council member Duane Ziebarth was impressed. “I’m not a fan of winter,” he admitted. “In the darkest days this kind of thing really helps brighten the mood, and the assisted living facility — it was stunning.”

Tracy Elder, the manager of Garden Terrace and the one-woman powerhouse behind the winning light display said, “I’m still putting them up” when I asked about the setup process, which starts in early October.

It is her love of Christmas that keeps her going. “I wasn’t going to do it this year. It’s just been so busy. But I just couldn’t help myself, it means so much to the residents. My favorite part of Christmas is the lights.”

She puts everything into the business display. “Anything I buy, I bring here. My kids are grown and I help them with their houses. I have a vision and next year I’m going even bigger and better. Especially with Covid, we need joy.”

I took my own kid through town, along with my parents. We sang Christmas carols in the car. In addition to the showstoppers that were recognized, we also saw a delightful front porch diorama at 418 Pleasant View, and ornaments in a tree on Goad Road that were so high there must have been a cherry picker involved.

One of the best displays of light this week will be the full moon on Saturday as well as the slow return of more daylight after the winter solstice on Dec. 21.

As we continue through these days of darkness, remember the words of Milton: “This horror will grow mild, this darkness light.”

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