There’s been a number of Grinch sightings along Bowen Bay Road this holiday season, but Island residents need not fear as this notoriously grumpy character is spreading nothing but Christmas cheer.
Anyone who has passed by Bowen Bay Beach recently will have noticed the Dr. Seuss character sneaking through the front yard of Gina and Tony Lazarowich’s property. He’s joined by Max the (Reindeer) Dog, and the residents of Whoville too. Tony, a special effects coordinator by trade, originally hand-drew the extensive display when the couple debuted the iconic characters 20 years ago at their home on the North Shore. The rooftop display brought many passersby to a halt.
Now living on Bowen it’s the second time the couple have set up the display, with lots more lights and decorations included than their first go on the island last year.
Gina says Tony, who she calls “Mr. Christmas” is responsible for most of the display, but she had an idea to make it even more special after seeing all the attention it was receiving.
“If people are coming by to see it, if they want to bring a can or bag of food we’ll leave this out,” says Gina, referencing a bin located on the road next to their display. It’s for donations to the Bowen Island Food Bank, and last year they filled the bin right to the brim with supplies. She says people can feel free to pull into the driveway for drop-offs (bearing in mind to watch for the ditch) or the property is located by the parking areas for the Bowen Bay mailboxes.
Tony says the display will stay lit around the clock until sometime in January. He plans to make it bigger and better each year, which will be a tall task given it’s already one of the more extensive decorations in town.
“Ever since I was a kid I just loved Christmas lights,” says Tony. “I love the fact that people get stopped in their tracks when they see Christmas lights and they reminisce about their childhood. Our favourite thing is when we see kids come by and they’re just in awe.” This includes a handwritten card dropped off by a young boy inscribed ‘Thank you for the Grinch. We love it so much in the neighbourhood.’ and a passing comment from a youngster stating “These people are Christmas crazy!”
“I thought that was perfect, that’s exactly what I want to hear,” says Tony.
“If you can spread a little joy even just driving by it’s so great,” says Gina. “We find joy in it ourselves and we just hope we bring some joy to everybody else.”
The display – which along with the donation bin for the Food Bank is accessible at any time – can be found at 1724 Bowen Bay Road, on the left side of the road if travelling north. Just be cautious of traffic and other folks waiting to take a look!
