Leechburg is shining bright thanks to the generosity of a Main Street resident.
Clyde Lindsey is the creator of Leechburg Lights, the annual synchronized holiday light-and-music show now open for the 2020-21 season. It’s in its 13th year.
Lindsey is a nationally recognized professional lighting programmer.
What began as a hobby has evolved into a career. He owns Pixel Pro Displays, based in Leechburg.
Lindsey created the free show when his hobby as a light sequencer was in full force.
“It’s the one thing I like to do for the community,” said Lindsey, 46. “With the way things are with covid, this is what we need — something to brighten ourselves up.”
The public is invited to enjoy a festive visual display from their vehicles by tuning car radios to 100.3 FM, or walking up for a more up-close view.
Lindsey, a Vandergrift native, controls the show from his laptop.
A playlist of 30 songs provides more than an hour’s worth of yuletide entertainment.
Featured song themes include Steelers, “Star Wars” and Christmas classics.
Lindsey said thanks to energy efficent LED lights, his electric bill remains reasonable.
“It’s about $35 extra a week for the season,” he said.
Lindsey never charges a fee for his show, but the community pays him back in its own way.
“I had someone leave a spaghetti dinner on my porch to thank me,” Lindsey said. “I get thank-you letters in the mail from kids.”
If anyone does wish to donate, Lindsey requests donations go to the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Department.
“They need it,” Lindsey said.
Melissa Thomas and Keith Tola of Tarentum visit annually.
“It’s our tradition,” Thomas said. “We bring the nieces and nephews. It’s uplifting. I like ‘Blue Christmas’ by Elvis.”
Lindsey’s display is up a bit later this year; he said that’s because of his hectic work schedule as a programmer.
“I just programmed light shows in Houston, Chicago and San Jose, Texas,” Lindsey said.
New this year at Leechburg Lights is a 4-foot-tall wreath on the porch with more than 3,300 lights.
“I have some lighted presents in the neighbor’s yard,” Lindsey said. “I rebuilt the mega tree this year (after it was toppled by a windstorm last year) with 4,800 lights. The display is spread bigger this year into my neighbor’s yards.”
The neighbors flanking Lindsey’s home have been most accommodating this season, allowing Lindsey to expand his decorations.
“I have to thank all of my neighbors,” he said.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, an original rooftop staple in the display, has retired.
“Rudolph had the elements get to him,” Lindsey said.
Leechburg resident Arwen Rak, 17, looks forward to the show annually.
“I like that it’s right down the street. And with everything going on in this world, it’s so nice to watch,” Rak said. “It puts you in the spirit.”
Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said Leechburg Lights is covid approved.
“I think it’s very good that people can get out and enjoy the holidays a little bit from their cars looking at Christmas lights with this nice display during this shutdown,” Dobos said. “Between the veterans banners (hung on the town’s light poles), our Santa and snowflake lights and Leechburg Lights, people are making nice comments about the holiday displays.”
Gary Lasher, 73, lives in Leechburg’s Lee Haven Towers.
He said he was concerned the show might not happen this season. He’s followed the show since its inception.
“The work the guy (Lindsey) puts into this is great,” Lasher said. “I enjoy it all. I watch the show from the high-rise, and I’m glad to see it back.”
