A free Christmas laser-projection display has returned for its second year in Huntington, with nightly shows running through the holiday season at 41 Homeland Drive.
“Every year is a different show,” said Huntington resident Anthony Nesnick, who produces the display with his wife, JoAnn. The show has previously drawn thousands of spectators.
This year’s program began Nov. 27. It runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas week, when it will be held daily through New Year’s Day, Nesnick said. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m., and the program resets every 30 minutes.
Nesnick said the idea was long planned.
“I always wanted to do it. I saw the big productions that did it on the sides of bridges. I wanted to do it for my community and my neighborhood,” he said.
He begins working on the display in September, with his wife offering “different ideas on what we think the community will like.” Nesnick said his approach is flexible.
“Whatever comes to my head is what I go after. Whatever I think is fun for the kids and for adults as well to bring them back to the ‘70s and ‘80s.”
Nesnick said he is not a computer professional but learned the skills needed to map and build the show.
“It’s a lot of computer work. Basically, it’s house mapping. It's a little technical to create the shows,” he said.
The show covers the entire front of the Nesnick home, which they have lived in for more than 25 years. Scenery is set to holiday music and incorporates animatronics and blow molds.
“The show is the entire house, and there’s some animatronic and blow molds,” Nesnick said.
Spectators may watch from the street.
“If you want to watch the show, you can pull into a parking spot on the street,” Nesnick said. “You can stay warm and bring hot cocoa and watch the show from your car.”
This year’s show is dedicated to Emilia Murale, Nesnick’s mother-in-law, who died in September at age 92.
“She loved Andy Williams,” he said. The show also incorporates elements inspired by the Trevi Fountain projection in Rome, paired with music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Nesnick said the project is rewarding. “I just love it,” he said. “I love being outside on the weekends and just watching how they enjoy it and how it brings peace and love to their life…even if it’s only a few minutes.”