2008 Hours of Operation - December 1st thru 31st Monday thru Thursday - 6pm till 10:00pm / Friday thru Sunday - 6pm till 11:00pm Synchronized light shows run every 20 minutes (weather permitting) at the top of the hour, :20 and :40 after, and last about 10-12 minutes each.  Tune to 88.7fm to hear the lights dance! Please leave only your parking lights on while viewing - as a courtesy to our neighbors. December 31, 2008 Special Show At Midnight Tonight - New Years Celebration! As tonight is the  final night for the Yaglenski Family Dancing Holiday Light Spectacular, we've decided to throw in some special additions!  At midnight, we'll ring in the New Year with "Auld Lang Syne" followed by "Reflections of Earth" -  sequences produced especially for our final night.  The display will run till 1am as part of the celebration and will remain lit after that all night long.  We hope to see you for this special occasion! December 27, 2008 Shows Drawing to a Close - Only 5 Nights Left Till New Years Just a reminder - we're getting close to the end of another season for the Yaglenski Family Holiday Light Spectacular.   The final shows run New Years Eve all night long leading up to the final show of the year at midnight.  Make your plans to come out now. December 24 & 25, 2008 Christmas Eve and Christmas Shows Running Extra Hours Due to the popularity of the shows this year thanks to the media coverage, we'll be running the Yaglenski Family Holiday Light Spectacular extra hours this evening and tomorrow.  We'll start the shows early at 5pm and run until 11pm so that more folks can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season!  Hope to see you here as you make us part of your Christmas tradition! December 17, 2008 Two New Sequences Debut Tomorrow at 7pm! Finally had a few moments of free time this evening and we added 2 new songs into the 7pm show - pulling repeats of earlier songs.  The Brian Setzer Orchestra's Boogie Woogie Santa Claus and the classic - Snow Mizer & Heat Mizer from the animated favorite "The Year Without A Santa Claus" are sure to spice things up.  If you miss the 7pm show to see the debut - you can stop by for repeat performances at 8:20 & 9:40pm. New Years Eve Also, don't forget we also run all NEW YEARS EVE long and culminate with a special one run a year show that features Reflections of Earth and Auld Lang Sine at midnight. December 16, 2008 Weather Has Been Challenging This Year Seems mother nature just isn't cooperating this year.  In addition to the weather being cold and bitter when the lights were going up in November (usually we get days in the high 50's to low 60's - some years we've hit near 70), this December has been filled with rain and damp conditions which plays havoc with the display.  Rain - especially heavy soaking rain causes Ground Fault Interrupts to trip in certain items in the show - and that in turn causes us to have to unplug items.  For example, tonite the Frosty Train, Seals and Pond all had to be turned off in order to get things to run.  And it's not always the same item - which makes it trickier still.  We've been able to run all but one night this year but it's been far from perfect.  The next few days look a little shaky too.  Here's hoping we get some nice weather in time for the weekend so you can enjoy the show! December 10, 2008 Weather Too Damp - Wednesday Show Cancelled After a day long rain - we had too many GFCI problems to run the show tonite.  Add to the fact that I wasn't at home this evening to fix things and was trying to relay via phone instructions..."unplug this, try this, no - try this instead".  It just didn't work out so we turned everything off.  My sincere apologies to anyone who traveled here to try to see the lights this evening.  We try to post on the site when we're having problems ahead of time.  The good news is, after getting home around 11pm tonite, I believe I have narrowed down the items causing the problem and can run in a "Reduced Show or B Mode" where a couple things are off, but otherwise the show runs.  This will be handy with the weather looking to swing back and forth over the next few days.  We can usually operate in SNOW with no issue, but RAIN causes all sorts of problems with a display this complex.  Again - I'm sorry the show's didn't run tonite. December 7, 2008 NBC Channel 25 Does A Feature... This afternoon brought a reporter from NBC 25 to our doorsteps to find out more about the display in prep for a piece to air at 6pm.  Jackie Waite was great to talk to but unfortunately got the name of the town wrong... she said it was Thurmont, not Urbana.  So, I can just picture people driving around Thurmont wondering - where the heck is the display.  Also, the video was taken in the day so it really didn't convey the display very well - but a welcome addition to the press none the less!  Thanks Jackie! December 3, 2008 A Big Thank You to The Frederick News Post This morning brought a pleasant suprise with the morning coffee and raisin bran - we opened the Newspaper to see our home in full color huge on the front page of the Frederick News Post.  Thank you to Skip Lawrence (photographer) who did a wonderful job of capturing the magic that is the Light Spectacular.  Perfect timing was on his side as he snapped the picture just as the strobe lights were going off.  We're wondering what this will do for traffic... PDF version of the front page here (756kb) December 1, 2008 Lights are Up and Running - Shows Every 20 Minutes! Thanks to the folks who came out tonight to see the lights on their debut night.  Things are up and operating great despite the damp weather.  The show schedule is on the site and will be updated in the coming weeks with a few new numbers that are sure to delight your eyes! Leave a Letter For Santa - Get a Letter Back From Santa! Again this year, we at the Yaglenski Dancing Holiday Light Spectacular have a direct line to the Jolly Old Elf Himself via our Santa's Mailbox.  If you leave a letter to Santa with your return address on it, Santa will send you a personal response.  Every year, we get a lot of letters, but only a handful have a return address. Trying to Use The Contact From?  Mail Now Fixed! We moved servers over the summer and didn't notice till now that our contact form was broken.  It's now fixed just in time for the Christmas Season - so if you need to get in touch with us, it should be functioning now! November 30, 2008 Opening Night is Monday at 6pm - Weather Permitting Looking at the forecast, things are supposed to clear up around 5pm tomorrow, which should clear the way for the shows to be running at 6pm.  Due to all the dampness from the rain over the past 24 hours, we may be running in B SHOW mode - which means some elements may not be lit (such as the pond of lights) due to them needing to dry out and avoid tripping circuits.  We're about 95% sure things should be a go and will post here tomorrow around 5:30 if things are up and operating at 100% or if we are in reduced show mode.  Other Info - We're Not Entering The Contest This Year... In order to facilitate participation in the Villages of Urbana Holiday Light Contest, we decided not to enter this year and instead, we'll be judging the Townhome category.  After winning the Single Family Category 5 times, a year off seemed appropriate to allow everyone else get into the Christmas Season! November 28, 2008 Sneak Preview Tonite at 6pm We're still testing things but anticipate on running shows beginning at 6pm Saturday nite in preparation for our official opening nite - Monday December 1.  If you are in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and say hi. November 16, 2008 New Items Ordered And On The Way... What's new for 2008 you ask?  Frosty is coming to town and he's arriving on a train that's 6 feet tall and 20 feet wide from the Holiday Light Store.  This showcase piece is sure to delight all with puffs of smoke, waving frosty and animated wheels.  We'll also be adding a Fishing Penguin from our favorite - Holidays With Lights to our Ice Pond and a animated Carousel from Linda's Yard Art.  Pictures below!  In addition, John has been working on a replica of a Tin Star that adorned his parents house growing up.  It's nearly complete and will be posted to the site soon.  15 days till light up! October 27, 2008 2008 Preparation Begins... Well, in reality, it began over the summer when we ordered our third 16 channel light-o-rama controller but we continued our planning and preparation over the weekend as we selected from hundreds of new designs in an effort to determine what we'll add to the display for 2008.  The final decision should be made soon - and we'll post the information here! December 31, 2007 Special Show At Midnight Tonight - New Years Celebration! As tonight is the  final night for the Yaglenski Family Dancing Holiday Light Spectacular, we've decided to throw in some special additions!  At midnight, we'll ring in the New Year with "Auld Lang Syne" followed by "Reflections of Earth" and "Heat Miser/Snow Miser" - all new sequences produced especially for our final night.  The display will run till 1am as part of the celebration and will remain lit after that all night long.  We hope to see you for this special occasion! December 23, 2007 Our Final Night Will Be New Years Eve - With Extended Hours The final night for the display this year will be New Years Eve when the Dancing Lights will run until 1am.  However, from 11pm thru 1am, there will be no external audio.  You'll have to stay in your car to listen to the music as a courtesy to our neighbors! Many Thanks To News Channel 8 DC A big thank you to Judy Kurtz from News Channel 8 for putting together such a nice piece on our display last night.  It really captured the spirit of things and did a great job of showcasing the lights and our website.  Now, if only she had gotten my name right - LOL.  It's JOHN, not Jeff... but any publicity is good publicity and she did get my last name right - which is usually pronounced wrong! News Channel 8 Video Here December 23, 2007 News Channel 8 DC Coming Out Tonight Merry Christmas everyone!  We received a call a few moments ago that News Channel 8 in Washington, DC would like to come out this evening (Christmas Eve) and film the Yaglenski Family Dancing Holiday Light Spectacular.  We're looking forward to seeing them and you here tonight!  The display is on from 6pm thru 11pm. December 18, 2007 Santa To Make An Appearance Friday & Saturday Night The jolly old elf himself will make a visit just in time for Christmas, this Friday and Saturday night from 7-8pm (weather permitting).  Santa and his helpers will be handing out candy canes and wishing good cheer to all those who visit.  Be sure to bring your letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox (include your name and address and Santa will send you a note back!) We Won Again! Thank you to the  judges who chose us as the winner of the Single Family Contemporary Holiday Light Display for the Villages of Urbana. This is 5 years now that we have been honored with this distinction. December 14, 2007 Thanks to 630 WMAL and The Gazette The folks from 630 WMAL in Washington, DC contacted us today for a story they are doing for Mondays Morning Show about holiday lights.  A big thanks to John Matthews and Mark Weaver who were great to talk to.  Also, thanks to the Chris Brown at the Gazette Newspaper for covering the light show in the latest issue. Weather Heads Up! With bad weather in the forecast, we'll keep things running as long as we can on Saturday nite for those who plan to stop by.  Realize that the shows run weather permitting and if we need to cancel things for the evening, we'll post information saying so to the website. December 6, 2007 Shows Now Running Every 20 Minutes We had been running the shows on the hour and half hour, but to make sure folks don't have to wait 20 minutes till the next show, we've modified the schedule so shows run at the top of the hour, 20 and 40 past.  On average you shouldn't have to wait more than 10 minutes or so till the next viewing.  This gives you plenty of time to see the display static, but also see the lights DANCE! December 4, 2007 Display Video Now Online After the shows shut down for the night, we went back outside last night and ran things in silent mode with the video camera rolling and then added sound back in later with video editing software.  It was pretty cold, so we only captured 2 songs in all (about 10 are rotating thru our 4 shows) - but you'll at least get the idea of what things look like.  We'll be capturing more video coming soon! Click To See This Years Video December 2, 2007 Due to Heavy Rain, Remainder of Tonight's Shows Cancelled We were able to run most of the night fine with many visitors till 9:00pm when the rain kicked up another notch and started tripping GFI Circuits.  So, we've cancelled the remainder of shows tonight, and well start fresh tomorrow weather permitting.  We can operate in light rain but not heavy downpour.  If you have any doubts whether to head out to see the display, check the website and we'll try to post an update as to whether things are running.  The forecast looks good the rest of the week, though tomorrow may be quite windy... December 1, 2007 Tonight is the Night! The Yaglenski Family Dancing Holiday Light Spectacular premieres tonight.  Between 6 and 7pm, we'll be outside giving away free candy canes to those who attend.  We'll see you there!  Just a heads up - rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and we haven't determined if the show will be able to play during rain - so best to come out today! November 30, 2007 Show & Display Are Complete All the work has come together and the light shows are complete as is the display.  We've run tests, the schedule is set and we're ready to roll for opening night Saturday.  Details on the shows and schedule can be found here.  Stop by on Saturday night from 6-7pm for free candy canes - we'll be out talking to those who come to view the display.  November 26, 2007 Testing Going Well... A few folks have been lucky enough to see the new Yaglenski Family Holiday DANCING Light Spectacular over the past few nights.  We've been outside making sure everything is working properly with the December 1 preview.  Remaining items are to add some more twinkle lights, finish the show schedule, install the security cams and decorate the backyard.  Everything is on track.  See you at 6pm on the 1st! November 21, 2007 When You View The Show This Year... In anticipation of the Holiday Lights Preview just under 10 days away, here are a few simple rules that we ask you to follow in order to make the experience magical for everyone: Please be respectful and courteous to our friends and neighbors and do not block traffic or driveways, park or walk on anyone's lawn, blow horns or play your radio loudly. Please turn off your headlights when watching the display and only leave your parking lights on for road safety.  If you wish to get out of the car to watch a show or visit with Santa (on select nights), please park in the Community Center Parking Lot and walk over. Due to the electrical HIGH VOLTAGE that runs our display, and the maze of electrical cords and ground based displays including strobe lights, it's important that you DO NOT enter the yard. Smile - this year we have installed a night vision security camera system to keep everything and everyone safe! November 20, 2007 Big Day Today... The behind the scenes planning are no more - and this years display has moved to the yard over the last few days.  Many of the wireframes are out, the rope light border is up, lower level gutter lights and about half the trees are wired.  Since our last update, we added a few new items including a couple penguins in a snowball fight, a tree of mini trees which will grace our backyard along with a sign that says PEACE.  Capitol Electrical Solutions comes tomorrow to put in a dedicated sub panel with 8 dedicated outlets in (to keep everything safe). Our giant wreath that hangs in the eves has been adorned with new Christmas Balls and looks as good as the day we bought it about five years ago now.  All, the lights have been tested and repairs made where appropriate - including a new motor for the light flurries box. This year, we also switched out all of our C7 lights (with the exception of the white ones that outline the house) to mini lights.  This will cut down a little on power consumption while still giving a bright, festive look. We're about to the point where we need more front yard!  it's getting harder and harder to fit it all in. The biggest challenge over the next 10 days is not putting the lights up, but running the cords that will power the show.  With 32 channels, that's 32 16 gauge extension cords running from the garage to the yard.   Wow. October 24, 2007 It Begins!  2007 Plans Underway... Well, we've actually planned far in advance of now but have officially purchased a few items for this years display.  First was an item from Lori's Lighted D Lites - the seals tossing a package back and forth.  Stacey has wanted this item for 2 years now and somehow it kept getting put off.  We'll, it's ordered and on the way.  Second item I am very excited about... 2 16 Channel Channel Light-O-Rama controllers.  This is the same device that Disney World uses to power their sequenced and synched Osborne Family Light Display.  We're starting small with 16 channels but more can be added easily next year.  Also we'll have 5-6 sequenced songs with it - so we'll be doing "shows" if all works out at the top and bottom of the hour.  Not sure how that will integrate with SantaFM but we'll see... Read Previous Home Page Updates