Maimone Family Holiday Display Brings Community Together to Help Those In Need
If you have lived in Oakland for any length of time, then you indubitably heard about the extraordinary display of holiday lights exhibited at the home of John and Jen Maimone at 116 Chicasaw Drive! But, did you know that they also do a phenomenal display for Halloween as well?
I had the pleasure of sitting down with John and Jen to discover the reason behind their decision to initiate this annual tradition each year. John and Jen first moved to Oakland in 2002 then relocated to their current house on Chicasaw in 2006. John admitted that he always had a passion for the holidays and decorating his house, but it wasn’t until he settled into the home where he currently resides that his enthusiasm really came to life. The Maimone's started out their Christmas display with just a few lights, a polar bear, and a Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Fast forward to today, their collection has greatly expanded and each year the couple adds new and exciting elements to their already amazing display!
Unbeknownst to me, I learned that through the years the town has worked alongside them and helped in many ways. This help includes a talented electrician who lives in town and assists each year to make sure that all the lights and power run perfectly. Additionally, the Fathers Club of Oakland assists by organizing fundraisers to help residents of Oakland in need by coordinating holiday photos in front of the Maimone’s magical display.
It was two years ago that the Father’s Club approached John and asked if he would be willing to host a Picture with Santa at his house in front of the lights. Of course, John’s response was yes immediately! During my conversation with John, he was smiling ear to ear while recounting how all the children came to visit Santa and how much he loved seeing all their smiling faces. Astonishingly, last year John and Jen working together with the Father’s Club and the community were able to raise approximately $12,000 for Oakland Cares, a charity in town that helps people in need (to learn more about Oakland Cares please visit their website: OaklandCares.com).
The Maimones also receive assistance from their now grown children, friends and other family members to setup these two remarkable displays for each season. John related how nice it is to have the local high schoolers come over and donate their time to partake in a positive, meaningful project. I was advised that it takes the Maimone’s roughly 3 weeks to put up all their Halloween decorations and about 6-7 weeks to setup the December Holiday extravaganza. Despite all the time and effort that goes into all of this, they wouldn’t have it any other way. As for their newest display..... John is currently building several 12-foot houses to display their Nutcrackers during this upcoming winter season!
I asked them if there was anything they would NOT do? And the response I received from both John and Jen simultaneously was “blow up decorations”! Also, they will not do anything too scary. They leave that for the neighbors.
If you haven’t checked out the Maimone’s Halloween or Christmas displays at 116 Chicasaw Drive, you may want to make this a new tradition of driving by their house! You will not be disappointed; it is truly a sight to see.
Kerri Sirinides is Editor of the Oakland Newsletter.
