A historic holiday tradition officially is underway in Elyria.
Holiday at Finwood, which features festive lights and tours of the house at Finwood Estate, 799 Abbe Road North, began Dec. 1 and is open each night from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 22.
Elyria Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Reardon said the event has been running for several decades which makes it an intergenerational tradition.
“It’s a family tradition now for people in Elyria and surrounding communities to come out and see the lights and see the house decorated,” Reardon said. “You hear grandmas talk about having taken their kids, who now take their kids to see it.
“Every year you hear stories about that.”
Holiday lights illuminate trees all around the property, including along the driveway that leads to the house.
Visitors can check out holiday decorations on two floors of the historic house that was built in 1929 for Common Pleas Judge Guy Findley and his wife, Jennie.
In addition to the lights and house tours, Santa will be at Finwood from Tuesday through Saturday for each week that the event is running.
Reardon said the thinking behind the event is to provide a place for families to get ready for the holidays, free of charge.
“It’s just a time for families to be together,” she said. “It’s just a free event, we don’t charge, but we do ask for donations of canned goods if people feel so inclined.
“It’s just a time for families to come together for the holidays.”
Reardon said the canned good drive provides an opportunity for people to give back to local food banks during a time when there is a spike in need for food.
Holiday at Finwood would not be possible without the hard work from the Parks and Recreation department’s staff, she said.
Maintenance supervisor Jay Horwedel starts the work for the event in September, Reardon said.
“He adds a little bit more each year, whether it’s a new decoration or additional lights, he does it almost all by himself on the outside,” she said. “Inside, Nicole Edwards, our recreation supervisor, works with local organizations to decorate the rooms inside.
“They both do an amazing job to make it happen each year.”
Reardon said last year, Holiday at Finwood saw over 22,000 cars come through to see the lights, and 12,000 people come in to see the house.
She expects attendance to be strong again this year.
Once it gets closer Christmas, there will be people even if it is raining or snowing, Reardon said.
