26 DECEMBER 2017 ArcAd A News By Elaina Verhoff When news got out that Arcadia’s well- known “Christmas House” was going to skip this year due to upset neighbors and City permit violations, many Arcadians were understandably upset. For thirty years, a visit to this holiday home has become a tradition for many area families. When the month of October rolls around, Lee Sepanek begins putting up his holiday decorations. But this isn’t an ordinary holiday display. Sepanek puts up over 250,000 lights, spending ten hours a day for months to prepare the yard. Hundreds visit every December. “We’re just extremely disappointed,” said Sepanek. “I had planned on bigger and better this year. It is going to be so upsetting to so many, young and old.” So, what really happened to make Sepanek’s light display go dark? In October, Sepanek got a visit from representatives from the City of Phoenix, who came to talk to him about neighbor complaints regarding traffic congestion, garbage, blocked driveways and safety. Sepanek says they also spoke to him about the neighborhood traffic issues arising from the many buses, trolleys and limos that bring the crowds to see the light display, suggesting he go to nearby Chase Bank to arrange parking. He also claims that City officials suggested he hire some 5 or 6 parking attendants in fluorescent vests to make sure cars didn’t block his neighbors’ driveways. Sepanek doesn’t see this as his responsibility, and wonders why anyone would listen to parking attendants who aren’t the police. The other, and possibly even more important issue, was the fact that Sepanek sells food and drinks at his holiday display, which is illegal without a license under city law. Sepanek claims he sells drinks to help offset the cost of the display. “I spend a minimum of ten thousand a year,” said Sepanek, noting that his main costs are his power bill, storage fees, and decorations. “The cookies and cocoa helped offset the costs and gave people a connection,” he says. “They bought it to show support.” The City disputes some of these claims, saying they issued no notices of violations during the meeting and that Sepanek was never told to take the lights down. They say they merely provided Sepanek with good neighbor suggestions and ideas for controlling traffic, along with informing him that he couldn’t sell food and drinks without a permit. “The City is being a little disingenuous here,” said Sam Stone, Chief of Staff for Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio. “They didn’t say he had to stop, but they went out and basically said that if they receive another complaint, they’ll have to shut him down. We’re happy to help the neighbors around the corner keep their driveway clear, but the neighbors around him love this and thousands of people enjoy the house every year.” In the end, the decision to not decorate this year was Sepanek’s himself, as he claimed to be so discouraged by the entire proceedings and fearful that he would be shut down eventually after putting up all the decorations. “I can’t afford to do what they are suggesting,” said Sepanek. “I feel so bad for all the families that look forward every year to come by my home for their holiday fix.” Although the City didn’t actually shut down the display, public sentiment seems to lie heavily with Sepanek, with angry residents voicing their disapproval on social media. Even Councilman Sal DiCiccio even weighed in with a response, which read in part: “City official need to relax and get a life, we have better things to do than to regulate Christmas tree displays.” But the 250,000 lights will not be going to waste, as Sepanek plans to donate his lights to decorate houses for some of his neighbors. Those driving down his street this year may not see the familiar and unique display they are used to, but will be still be treated to some Christmas cheer. Arcadia’s favorite Christmas house going dark this year Lee Sepanek’s holiday lights will not be lit this year, but he has shared some of his decorations with several of the neighbors. 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27 DECEMBER 2017 ARCAD A NEWS With over 11 exhibits and 75 displays, Lights of the World is one of the largest light shows in the country. Displays range from 18 to 60 feet high and showcase all different cultures around the world. There are displays dedicated to the African Kingdom, America, Oriental Mysteries, Christmas Dream, and so much more. “All of the displays are handmade on- site. There are over four million lights and over 25 acres of displays. It is sure to deliver a most unique experience,” said Gilbert Ochoa, who is in charge of promotions. Lights of the World will also have free By Mallory Gleich T he Sepanek House may not be lighting up this year, but there are still several other places where you can go to enjoy the Christmas season with your family! ZOOLIGHTS 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix A local staple, Zoolights features millions of lights set up all over the Phoenix Zoo. There are massive light displays, a three-story lighted tree and a lakeside Music-in-Motion show. Zoolights runs from November 22nd through January 14th and takes place each day from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. Ticket prices and packages vary. See website for details: https://goo.gl/qADfCg. MCCORMICKSTILLMAN RAILROAD PARK 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park display started off on a smaller scale in the 1980s and has grown in popularity so much that it is now recognized as one of the best holiday light displays in the Valley. The Paradise & Pacific Railroad track is a mile long and circles around the entire park. The south end is specifically dedicated to holiday lights. There are lights all around the 30 acres of the park, but the back part is the focal point. “There are hundreds of thousands of lights. We light whatever we can throughout the park,” said Nick Molinari, who is the Operations Supervisor at McCormick- Stillman. The best part is that in order to see the entire display, folks have to take a train ride. “What I love so much about holiday lights is how much the kids love the ride through the actual light display. It’s a special experience for families,” Nick said. Train rides are $4 per person and there are also snacks and cocoa available for purchase. For more: therailroadpark.com. LIGHTS OF THE WORLD Rawhide Western Town and Event Center 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler acrobatic shows, food and drinks, and carnival rides and games. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. For more: visit lightsoftheworldus.com. LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix What began as a simple event to show off the beauty of the Southwest and the uniqueness of Desert Botanical Gardens in 1978 has become one of the Valley’s holiday traditions. That first year, over 700 luminarias lit the area from the former gift shop to the Archer House. Now, after almost 40 years, there are over 8,000 luminaria bags lighting the trails around DBG. In 2003, six tons of sand were used to fill the luminaria bags. And in 2004, over 132,000 candles were lit and put out by hand! Today, the folks at DBG have a system to make the lighting and snuffing of the candles much easier, but just as beautiful. Folks are welcome to come out and stroll the trails while sipping cocoa or hot cider. There will also be live entertainment provided. Tickets are $30 for the general public and $12.50 for children. For more: dbg.org. Holiday light displays make the Valley glow Zoolights, Phoenix McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale. Lights of the World, Chandler. 5507 E Arcadia Lane Charming quintessential Arcadia ranch home at just under 5000 sq feet on a commercial acre this floor plan is perfect for families and entertaining. 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H OMES OF D ISTINCTION Debbie Frazelle, ABR 6 02.954.6888 Office 602.399.8540 Cell 3113 East Lincoln Drive www.debbiefrazelle.com dfrazelle@cox.net Each Office Independently Owned and Operated PAST ARCADIA PTO VP PAST HOPI PTA PRESIDENT ARCADIA RESIDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS Debbie Frazelle, ABR A trusted name in Arcadia Real Estate who will go the extra mile for you. A R I Z O N A J O U R N A L O F R E A L E S T A T E & B U S I N E S S leading az industry information since 1985 ARIZONA JOURNAL OF Real Estate & Business ® ANNUAL INDUSTRY AWARDS REAL ESTATE AGENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE 2015 A R I Z O N A J O U R N A L O F R E A L E S T A T E & B U S I N E S S leading az industry information since 1985 ARIZONA JOURNAL OF Real Estate & Business ® ANNUAL INDUSTRY AWARDS REAL ESTATE AGENT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE 2015 Happy Holidays! Call about 4 new Arcadia, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Biltmore listings coming on the market soon! REDUCED UNDER CONTRACT IN 5 DAYS Holidays!