We are proud to announce Midwest Electric member Ryan Bollenbacher of St. Henry, Ohio, has won our 2018 Griswold Christmas Lights Contest. Ryan, his wife Sarah, and their 6 children set up the display together, which usually takes about 2 days to complete. Their home is located on Dorothy Lane.

“When I was growing up, I remember helping my dad put up the Christmas lights at home. It was always an exciting time,” Ryan says. “Now, I hope to pass that tradition along to my children. They are excited to ‘help,’ even if it’s holding the ladder.”

When building their home, Ryan says he told the electrician he needed plenty of outlets around the house (which ended up being crucial, as he uses most of them and plans to keep adding lights).

“I enjoy watching the cars drive by and looking at the lights we put up. Our whole street is lit up with lanterns for Christmas. If you’re out and about, come check them out. They are for our whole family and all the kids who go by to enjoy.”

(See photo at bottom) The Bollenbacher children include: Kennedy and Kylie (twins, age 8), Amelia (age 6), Myles (age 2), and Marcus and Micah (twins, age 1). Abigail, pictured at far left, was Amelia’s twin but sadly passed away.

Kudos to the Bollenbacher family for their hard work, dedication, and time. Ryan’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed from his local electric co-op, and the family will see a $50 bill credit on their next electric bill.

Thank you to all our members who submitted beautiful photos for the contest, and to all those who voted. From our co-op family to yours, merry Christmas! May it be as bright as the Bollenbacher family’s lights!