(COLORADO SPRINGS) — We are Southern Colorado, and we’re all about spreading holiday cheer this time of year.
For one man in Colorado Springs, Mark Ingles, that means setting up an elaborate light show in front of his house for a good cause. Every year, his Christmas display brings in thousands of pounds of food donations for the Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, and hundreds of dollars for the Springs Rescue Mission.
You can pull up in your car, roll down the windows, and enjoy his scene with the festive music.
Ingles has gone all-out for Christmas ever since he was little, but this is his 10th anniversary of doing it for a cause.
Although the display outside is stunning, the display inside his home is just as detailed. He’s got five large Christmas trees, many small ones, and over 60 nativity scenes. Each tree has its own theme. One is sci-fi themed with Star Wars and Star Trek characters, and another is cartoon themed with lots of Disney, Charlie Brown, and Looney Tunes ornaments.
Ingles said the labor of love–it’s all about spreading love and joy.
“Which is particularly important for those that maybe having trouble finding joy in their lives,” said Ingles.
Ingles’ dedication to his decorations, thousands in total, has had people lining the cul-de-sac outside his home.
“It really makes my day, and it makes my season, and it makes my Christmas. If I can bring one smile to a hurting person, that’s awesome,” said Ingles.
A retired Air Force Chaplain, Ingles has nativities from all around the world.
Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott
Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott
“When I was stationed in Korea, I said ‘I’ve got to decorate’. So I got some Christmas lights in Korea and decorated the dorm I lived in, including the outside. The Commander had a few things to say about that because, you know, you have lights everywhere. He goes, ‘Does the Chaplain live in that building?’ Sure enough, it was me,” Ingles laughed.
He says the magic the décor brings is priceless.
“Somebody drives up and they show a smile and they’re like, ‘Hey, this is really cool’. To me, I think that’s awesome because I’ve added to their Christmas, and if I can add to their Christmas, then that, that’s a huge big thing for me,” said Ingles.
Being able to give back is the cherry (or star) on top. Last year he had over 2,500 pounds of non-perishable foods donated.
“I am shooting for 3,000 pounds of food. So I need people to come bring food. Tell your neighbors, tell your friends, you know, tell everyone,” said Ingles.
As he enjoys his five trees inside, he hopes you’ll stop by to see the ones outside.
“It is a lot of work, but I do enjoy it. Oh my gosh, there’s nothing that brings more joy to me than to see someone smile,” said Ingles.
His address is 4910 Nugent Drive in Colorado Springs, on the northeast side of the city, near Peterson and Barnes Roads. He turns on the lights around 4:30 p.m. and plays the music until about 10 p.m.
