It was a very tough decision for the judges but Marty Slack's Christmas Utah was finally crowned the World's Best!  The clincher was his Boogie Woogie Santa Claus video.  Marty's originality, Christmas spirit and long list of testimonials finally won him over with the judges. 

Marty Slack will be receiving from Bright Ideas Incorporated a $1000 gift certificate (but does not include Light-O-Rama products) and a Lori's Lighted D'Lites $750 gift certificate to the winner of this category for a total prize worth $1750 plus you'll the bragging rights of "World's Best!" 

But let's have Marty speak for himself.  Here is his contest entry:

CHRISTMAS UTAH – 2005

I am pleased to submit my display, Christmas Utah, for the PlanetChristmas Worldwide Decorating Contest for 2005.  Please refer to the video of one of my several shows at the following links:

http://home.comcast.net/~mooseslack/BWSC_2005.wmv

Christmas Utah is located in the center of the Salt Lake Valley.  This year’s display includes over 100,000 lights controlled by 192 Light-O-Rama channels and fifteen X10 channels.  The entire show is tightly synchronized to music.  The light show includes both pre-recorded music and live music.  The live music is also synchronized with the lights.  Live music is provided by The Wasatch Brass, The Deseret Horn Quartet, and myself singing and playing French Horn.  All of the music is broadcast over an FM transmitter. 

Every year we design and build new and original displays to add to our light show.  Some of the new items for this year include six synchronized musicians that move along with the music, a PC Santa that dances, and Rudolph who sings and talks.  Other crowd favorites are the large mountain backdrop with falling snow, a great big bubble machine, and two snow machines mounted forty feet above the display. 

Each year we change the display and add new items, but there are a few things that remain year after year.  One is the angel that hovers over the display.  Three years ago I built this angel to honor a friend who died of breast cancer.  My angel always stays illuminated, with wings gently flapping, even when the other lights dim away.  The large arch over the driveway has become our trademark decoration.  Next to our main display, in a pasture to the side of the yard, is a large static display that is filled with Airblown Inflatables and Wireframes.  This year the static display was turned over to 14 year old David to design and decorate.  David’s display is a favorite of the very young children. 

Our light show attracts several hundred visitors every night.  While the show is running we stay outside to hand out candy canes and talk with the visitors.  The best part of creating an extreme display is the reaction of those who stop by.  I love to watch the children dance and giggle while they watch the lights.  It’s fun to talk with the adults, see their expressions of amazement, and answer their endless questions.  The most gratifying thing for me however is the several messages we receive every day from people who have visited the display.  Following are a few of the messages I have received over the past few days.  They clearly identify our contribution to our community and Christmas Spirit. 

“What a magnificent display.  I truly enjoy watching it and must tell my story.  I buried my youngest son at the age of 19 five years ago from a four wheeling accident, my husband two years later from a heart attack and my Dad a year after that.  Christmas has always been such a big thing for me and was started by my father back when I was very small.  Although I have other children Christmas just doesn’t hold that excitement for me as it used to and this really is the first year since my sons death that I have actually felt some of that old excitement that used to raise my power bill.  I have driven by your display a few times with different people in the car with me.  Last night I parked and watched for a while by myself.  It was so therapeutic and felt so good.  I was completely mesmerized.  Thank you for such generosity in sharing your Christmas excitement and spurring that fabulous little tickle from the inside.”  Name withheld – email

 “It's the first year I was able to bring my mother and sister, and we all love your wonderful display - (several visits for me) - Keep up the fun for the rest of us to enjoy each year!  The Angel flying above, to watch and protect, is very special - and the reason for her was very sweet. (angels are my mom's favorite thing.)  My sister will be bringing her family, and she really likes Rudolph singing to the music! It's great to see a family, and an entire neighborhood enjoying the spirit of the season - if only we could all keep up the spirit all year long.  Happy holidays and Happy New Year to you.”  Karen - blog

We have loved visiting your display the last two years since we moved down here from Washington. The Seattle area had so many wonderful displays and whole neighborhoods that were done up. We thought we were going to miss all that, and then we found out about you.  We live in Lehi, but often make the drive up to see your display. Our kids love it. Our favorite part is that zippy little number where the little trees and reindeer chase each other around. It is fun seeing what new things you’ve added. My daughter keeps asking when you are going to be out there singing again.  I am a trucker, so am not able to be home as much as I would wish, especially at the Holidays, but we all know that every time I do get home we are heading right up to your place, then going in search of more.  Is there any way we could knock down the apartments across from you and make your turn-around bigger so we could squeeze in more cars? That is our only complaint, the fact that you are so dang popular. ;) Also, thanks for the list of other homes in the area. We look forward to checking out as many as we can. I have wanted to put together a web site of our favorite homes and areas, but being a slave to my truck and not having a laptop to boot has made it a project for the future. When I can get it put up, yours is going right at the top.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours, The Krupps: Jon, Joanne, Emily Maddie and Logan”  The Krupps – email 

“When I think of the hours you and your family have spent in decorating your home for our enjoyment I am grateful for your hard work. The true meaning of Christmas comes in unusual places. This year as all of us struggle through this season, it gives our family a moment together to stand in wonder and enjoy each other, the lights and sounds. Thank you for giving our family a great new Christmas tradition. Keep up the good work and my God bless you and your family.”  Tauna Walker – blog  

“Thank You! You have spent a great deal of time and money to bring smiles to so many kids and big kids. I took my family to see your house tonight and our kids loved it and so did we!”  Ken Imber – blog 

“I don't know who are, but I have been very impressed with your light display.  My father's house is always decorated.  He was so impressed with your light display that I won't be surprised if he tries to do something next year.  I just thought that you ought to know that I was very appreciative of your hard work and for your enthusiasm - all four of my kids - 11,9,4 & 2 loved it and we sat there for over half an hour.”  Craig Devashrayee – email 

"This is one of the coolest displays I have ever seen. Well worth waiting in a line of cars for. You have done a great job and I have told all my co-workers and friends about it. I will be back with my kids again. They loved it!”  Greg - blog 

“The Angel Tower is Awesome...and when it started to snow I was blown away! The music is exceptional...we didn't want to leave!! We'll be back!”  Linda de Azevedo - blog 

“Ben, age 3 1/2 asked me to send you the following message:  Dear Christmas Utah, Your lights are so pretty.  And the Grinch balloon is my favorite.  From, Ben”  Jared and Paula Faerber  – email  

“We heard about your house on the radio and decided to check it out. Boy were we surprised! It was GREAT! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!”  Janel - blog 

“I just saw your house with my family and I was blown away. I love your house the music, the lights, it would be cool if there was an explosion from time to time but we can't always have what we want. Anyways good job on the house I'll be taking a date up there at least once. So thank you for allowing me to do that.”  Tyler Gaisford - blog 

“May God’s blessings be yours today and every day.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.”  Mike & Etta Bechner – email

Thank you for allowing me to share my display.  I have learned so much from the PlanetChristmas community and enjoy sharing what I can with others.  I’ve mentioned PlanetChristmas to several of my visitors and hope to see some of them show up in the Chatroom soon.  I love to explain how my display works and let others know that they can do the same thing in their neighborhood.  I love Christmas Lights and Computerized Displays.  I’ll do anything I can to encourage others to brighten the Christmas season with lights!

See our webpage at www.christmasutah.com

Merry Christmas from Christmas Utah and the Slack Family:

Marty, Micalle, David and Kellie

__________

Again, Marty Slack will be receiving from Bright Ideas Incorporated a $1000 gift certificate (but does not include Light-O-Rama products) and a Lori's Lighted D'Lites $750 gift certificate to the winner of this category for a total prize worth $1750 plus you'll the bragging rights of "World's Best!" 

Congratulations from all of us, Marty and family!