This year the Burke family is ready to let it go. The lights won't be returning this December.
“Every year all of our kids really look forward to seeing all of the things that happen here,” said Rick Silva, who lived next door to the Burkes.
The decision has nothing to do with the traffic problems it caused on Lovley Drive last year that caused the show to shut down days before Christmas.
Howard Burke got a new job in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, so the Burkes sold their house in Plantsville. The family is moving south next month. Before they do, they’re selling 16 years’ worth of belongings, including many lights, at a tag sale this weekend.
“We won`t be famous anymore,"Bonnie Burke joked . "It`s going to be awesome. We`re going to be just the regular guys in the neighborhood.”
The Burkes made the announcement on their Facebook page earlier this week.
“There`s been a number of people replying to the posting saying that they`re going to miss the lights and coming every year to see them,” said Howard Burke. “A number of people have made it kind of a family tradition.”
It's a tradition the Burkes and their neighbors hope someone else may take on: the light show and taking donations for local food pantries.
The Burkes plan to donate much of their stock of lights and equipment to Lake Compounce for the park’s holiday displays.