Palmerton light display benefits area food pantry

A Palmerton man has plugged in his dazzling, homemade holiday lights once again this year, and he hopes visitors will bring food pantry donations when they come to see it.

Todd Merkel has decked out his home at 1485 Mauch Chunk Road in lights for the past few years. He crafted most of the decorations himself and even programmed a light show.

“So many people tell me how it’s become a part of their Christmas tradition, so that’s part of the reason why I keep doing it,” Merkel said of his display. “And I love it.”

In the array of lights — called Stoney Ridge Lights — Santa sits fireside, an igloo rests on the grass and Mary and Joseph sit under the cover of a brown barn, surrounding the newborn Jesus. At the back, trees standing up to 30 feet tall and made of LED lights and metal frames dance to the tune of Christmas classics.

New this year, Merkel added a Minion donning a Santa hat, a pile of presents, jumping reindeer and a few other fixtures.

Instead of charging for the show, Merkel simply asks that anyone who comes to watch it bring a nonperishable food donation for the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches Food Pantry in Palmerton, or a food item for Carbon County Friends of Animals or the Carbon County Animal Shelter. Provisions can be dropped in the bus station opposite his home, where there are two bins: one for “people food” and another for “pet food.”

The station will light up as you walk near.

The show goes from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Those hoping to catch a glimpse should drive to Merkel’s home and park in the empty lot sitting across it.

To hear the music that accompanies the show, make sure to tune your radio to 95.5 FM.