'It's about the memories.' Columbus homeowner holds final annual holiday lights and music display

Know a house or two in your city or town — or at least your neighborhood — that gets all decked-out for Christmas?

If you’re in Columbus, Ga., maybe you’ve been to Jerry Ludy’s house.

The Columbus Ledger-Inquirer describes his Christmas lights display as the city’s largest and most popular.

With half a million computer-controlled lights, all synchronized to Christmas music, it takes the better part of three months to set up.

And now, Ludy said, after 26 years, this year’s display will be his last.

“I would rather stop now while I feel good about what’s going on and being able to enjoy it instead of looking at it as a job,” he said.

The 69-year-old cites the physical and financial effort involved. The annual display hikes Ludy’s electric bill by a couple hundred dollars per month and there are always parts that need replacing, he said.

Over the years, supportive neighbors have pitched in to help with everything from adjoining light displays to crowd and traffic control. Hundreds of visitors can show up at one time. They drive to his northeastern Columbus address, park and walk from several blocks away.

“People want to migrate towards something that’s joyful and brings happiness to them,” Ludy said.

Next year, his neighbors will get a reprieve. But not before one more multi-colored sensory overload of Santa, elves and even a 30-foot-tall Ferris wheel carrying stuffed animals.

It’s a labor of love that, over the years, also has raised more than $200,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“It’s not all about the lights,” he said. “It’s about the memories the lights create in every child and every child-like heart.”

The lights are on display nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Eve at 5784 Ironstone Drive in Columbus.