After years of research, 13-year-old Chad finally discovered what he needed in order to make his dream come true. It took a few years to get his parents on board and all the supplies in order. Three years later (2005), Lights on Old Charlotte came to life with just under 10,000 computerized Christmas lights.
In 2011, he wanted their display to provide a way for people to give back to the community and began collecting donations for Graceworks Ministries. Year after year, with his parents help the display grew. Chad began receiving calls from local newspapers and was even featured in local news stations on TV.
Chad and his wife, Kelsi, moved to Spring Hill, TN in 2013, which provided the opportunity to expand to our second display, Lights on Sparrow Street. Chad’s parents continue the display at Lights on Old Charlotte. Planning, synchronizing the lights, putting them up, and taking them down is a lot of work, but seeing the joy it brings to our communities makes it all worth it. It truly has become a family tradition, and we plan to continue for years to come.