One of the most beautiful Christmas displays in the county will again be lighting up the holidays for many. Located at 2200, Goshen Valley Dr., which runs along State Route 416, The Jim and Marilyn Page family has worked to improve and add to the display for more than 30 years. It is truly a family effort as the Page’s sons Shane, wife Trisha and their sons Mitch and Brayden, Tim, his wife Katie and daughter Matilyn and Matt and wife Tara, have pulled together to continue the tradition.
The display of nearly 7000 lights was changed to LED this year and 25 additional blowmolds were added including several old city lanterns found in Michigan. The display will be lit on Sundays – Thursdays from 6-9 p.m and Fridays and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. Hours will be extended to 6-11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
The family is excited to announce that they will begin collecting nonperishable food items on Friday (Dec. 7) through Christmas Day for donation to the Tuscarawas County Friends of the Homeless.
“There will be a tote with a sign “donations here” which will be emptied nightly.” explained Trisha. “It will be located near the driveway.”
There have been some challenges along the way after a fire in 1984 destroyed the Pages home and some of the stored decorations. Along with the items lost was a Santa Suit which Jim could be seen wearing while greeting visitors and passing out candy canes to the kids. A train that used to run outside as part of the display also had to be discontinued. But the many joys have out weighed all of the bad throughout the years.
In 2002, Tim proposed to his then girlfriend Katie Johnson, with a 6′ by 26′ sign asking “Will You Marry Me?” Johnson said yes and the couple were married on June 19, 2004.
Marilyn noted that the display has garnered attention from the local newspaper more than once. “When Shane was just 3, a T-R photographer was here and just caught a photo of him wrapping a cord around Jesus’ neck.” said Marilyn. “It was kind of funny.”
Later there was another photo of the display with twin sons Tim and Matt included and being held by their parents.
“Christmas has always been special around here.” Marilyn added.