By Erica Thomas, managing editor
PINSON — A Pinson family is lighting up the holidays with Bama Lights, a Christmas lights show. Lisa Settembrino and K.C. Komer call it Bama Lights. This is no ordinary display. It’s for the public and for a good cause.
Komer built and designed the display using 287,000 lights and 17 miles of extension cords. This is the family’s eighth year of putting together the light show. It all started with 35,000 lights, but Komer has built more displays and added more lights every year, according to his wife.
“He has had this passion since I’ve known him, for Christmas,” said Settembrino. “He has done some amazing Christmas surprises for me and for our family. He’s extremely creative.”
The display is synchronized to music that can be heard on the radio, on station 88.1 FM. Komer learned how to set up the show by watching YouTube videos.
A donation box is placed under the scrolling sign that gives information about Bama Lights, but it’s not for Komer and Settembrino, it’s for Magic Moments. The non-profit has even used the display as a backdrop for a Magic Moment presentation
Settembrino said her husband works for months, preparing for the holidays.
“We start at Thanksgiving and our last night is Christmas night,” Settembrino said. “He loves doing this for the kids. He’s always out there making sure the kids are having a good time. He’s just amazing.”
Settembrino is pretty amazing herself. Every year she stands outside and hands out candy canes to the kids. Unfortunately, this year she won’t be able to because of an injury, but her husband is helping her to “look on the bright side.”
“I broke my ankle and had to have surgery,” said Settembrino. “I have a knee scooter so I can get around and my husband went out and bought lights for my knee scooter.”
If you’re wondering about the couple’s power bill, there is no Griswold-effect on the meter. All 287,000 lights are LED, so they stay cool and use less power.
Anyone who wants to see the lights can come park in front of the house or drive by to get a glimpse. When the weather is nice, some passersby like to get out and dance to the music. At times, people have gotten out for much more serious reasons.
“We have had people get engaged under the lights,” Settembrino said, “We’ve yet to have anybody get married under the lights but I’m not giving up hope.”
Santa Claus is known to take the time to stop in and see the kids at the light display. This year, he will be greeting children from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Dec. 21.
And for the football fan, the Alabama Fight Song plays approximately every 30 minutes.
The address is 8333 West Hill Rd. Pinson, AL 35126.
The Trussville Tribune interviewed Komer in 2016. That video can be seen below.