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Epic Light Display Becomes Livermore Holiday Tradition

LIVERMORE (CBS 5) - For many Bay Area residents, it doesn't feel like the holidays until they see the massive light display in front of "Deacon Dave's' Livermore home.

Deacon Dave Rezendes began hanging a few lights 30 years ago, and what began as a small display has grown into the biggest light show in the Bay Area.

"I wanted to do something for people of all faiths," said Rezendes, who recalled the early days. "It was a miniature elf village…maybe 2,000 lights."

The display, at 352 Hillcrest Ave., now boasts 345,300 lights and attracts thousands of people a year to the whimsical display.

"This is a place that sets me into the Christmas mood," said Livermore resident Jeanna Saldanha. "It's one of the first things we do every year…its magical for me."

Neighbors seem to agree.

"I think its fabulous," said Corin Teshara, who has lived across the street since 1989. "We don't even try to compete."

Deacon Dave said he doesn't tell anyone how high his PG&E bill gets, but would gladly share the information with someone willing to pick up the tab.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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