Collingwood Lights Won't Be On Display In 2019

FORT HUNT, VA — Collingwood Lights, the holiday display drawing locals for 25 years, will not light up in 2019. Bill Vaughan, the man behind the display, cited health as a reason for skipping it this year.

The display at 1601 Collingwood Road took off decades ago after Vaughan's wife Jan chided him for not putting up Christmas lights. Vaughan's effort in making all of the pieces for the synchronized display paid off, as it's become a local favorite. Last year, Collingwood Lights was featured on ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight" and won the top prize.

Vaughan said in a Facebook post he hopes 2018 wasn't the last year for Collingwood Lights. Here's his full message to followers on the Collingwood Lights Facebook page.

I haven’t posted in forever, not because decorating hasn’t been on my mind, It has been pretty much all I have thought about these last 7 or 8 months. I haven’t posted because of my fear of the finality of what I need to say. With Dec. 1st and Collingwood Lights traditional light up right around the corner I really can’t put this off any longer. Due to health I will not be doing my display this year. As for the future, I have come to terms with the fact that this December will be dark but I just can’t bring myself to say 2018 was our last, I just can’t.

I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over these many years. I feel blessed. I have so many memories that span the last 25+ years, the smiles, the laughter, the kid’s squeals and the joy of knowing it was of my doing. Collingwood Lights truly was my Christmas present to myself. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life and as my wife has reminded me more than once, if 2018 was indeed Collingwood Lights swan song what a way to turn off the lights!

Warmest Regards,

Bill Vaughan