PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The West Michigan fan-favorite Christmas Lite Show is preparing to open Wednesday at LMCU Ballpark.
The display at the ballpark north of Grand Rapids, now in its 27th year, was the idea of 95-year-old veteran Bill Schrader. He said he loves to see how happy it makes people.
“It’s just God’s gift, really,” Schrader said. “I love it and looking forward to seeing all my friends coming in.”
Schrader served in the U.S. Army and became a Green Beret. In addition to completing some 100 parachute jumps during his military career, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star.
After returning home to West Michigan, he decided he wanted to put on a drive-thru light display after speaking with a friend. He went to the vice president of the then-new West Michigan Whitecaps to get it started.
“I said, ‘I’d like to lease your parking lot and put a Christmas light show here,'” Schrader recalled. “He kind of looked at me, like startled a little bit, and really looked at me and he says, ‘You know, Mr. Schrader, that’s a great idea.'”
Schrader was allowed to lease the parking lot with the ballpark. At first, he was unsure how the project would work out, and there were bumps along the way.
“(In) 2001, maybe 2002, we had that 6 foot of snow in December,” he said. “I didn’t even make budget that year, but I had guys that were supporting me. They believed in me. (A Whitecaps executive) said, ‘Bill, don’t worry about it. You pay me next year.’”
The display grew more popular and more elaborate each year.
“I bought one semi-trailer. … I’m up to well nine, nine semi-trailers and a lot of other equipment and as the resources come in, I reinvest,” Schrader said.
All the work of putting on the display for so many years is worth it for Schrader because he sees it spreading holiday cheer.
“It’s all about the kids and seeing the smiles on their faces. It’s priceless, really,” Schrader said.
You can submit photos of your home’s holiday lights or decorations at woodtv.com/ReportIt and they may be featured on our website.
