Magic for a child's eyes
Frank Fabrizio never married and has no children.
But that doesn't mean he can't relate.In fact, it's quite possible the 51-year-old Brockton man knows how to talk to kids better than most parents.He can speak to them without saying a word.Fabrizio talks to youngsters through the music and lights of his holiday display, the largest private Christmas exhibit in Schuylkill County. It's an endless dialogue of holiday cheer and has been drawing rave reviews for decades."He's just amazing," says visitor Cindy Minrod of Kaska, leading 3-year-old Macie though a maze of illuminated cartoon characters."It's so wonderful the way he does this every year."LEDsNew this year is a rooftop LED presentation of 12 rows of lights, each row capable of 1.7 million color and design variations.The dazzling showpiece at 402 Green St. uses patterns generated by those LEDs, along with music and other special effects, to tell youngsters to "let it go."Fabrizio loosely adapted the message from a theme in Disney's 2013 animated feature film "Frozen." His goal is to encourage kids of all ages to use their talents and skills without restriction.Fabrizio believes it's important to be yourself, to rid yourself of fear and to learn to let it go."I just had to do it," says Fabrizio of the motivational theme.Fabrizio began decorating the family's ranch house at age 14 and never stopped.Truth be told, he was only an assistant in those early days. He'd help his dad, Francis, put red lights around the house roof, visible from Route 209 six miles west of Tamaqua.Sadly, the elder Fabrizio, a steelworker, passed away in January 2008, but not before he saw his son earn accolades for his talent."He was just a normal kid growing up," says his mother, Theresa. "But when he puts his mind to learning something, there's no stopping him."Self-taughtFabrizio, a self-employed videographer, is a 1981 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School and self-taught in technology.His display includes laser lights, synchronized music and lots of movement. It actually bubbles with brilliance. It moves, flickers, glitters, sparkles and has become the No. 1 seasonal tourist attraction in Schuylkill Township.A life-size teddy bear carousel commands attention. But that's only the beginning. There's a Ferris wheel that actually moves, an American flag in 600 red, white and blue lights, and a Santa workshop that twinkles."It's just awesome," says visitor Patricia Dunlap and friend Chris Heffernan of Middleport, stopping by with Michaela Hill of Mary D."Wow," says visitor Jacob Fritzinger, 5, and brother Timmy, 10, of Brockton.Others say the Fabrizio house is a "must-do" to make the holiday special."We stop here every year," says Stephanie Gursky Johns and husband Nate of Tamaqua, joined by appreciative, wide-eyed youngsters Suzy, 5, and Grant, 7.InteractiveThe panorama is interactive, meaning that to get the most out of it, you need to get out of your car and walk through a carefully laid out path.Onlookers stare in awe at a brilliant "Merry Christmas" sign and toy soldiers, then take a captivating stroll through Toyland. There's also a 16-foot Christmas tree with cascading lights, a fountain created by motion lights, an assortment of dolls, wishing well, lighthouse, and just about every popular cartoon character one can think of."I change the display every year. It looks different each time," Fabrizio says.But one thing stays the same. Fabrizio still puts red lights around the roof in honor of his dad.Family supportFabrizio gets support from his mom; brother Tom and wife Wendy of Schuylkill Haven; their children, Matt and Dylan; plus friend Ray Speck of Mary D.He says it's difficult to estimate the man-hours devoted to designing the display or in setting it up each year.The operation is controlled by 17 circuit breakers, and Fabrizio also controls matching holiday lights on four neighboring homes on the cul-de-sac. Some 8,000 ground lights are positioned to heighten visual impact.The computer-controlled presentation adds perhaps $200 per month to the electric bill. But how can one put a price tag on inspiration?The Fabrizio house sets atop a knoll, giving motorists a perfect view as they turn onto the Brockton exit from Route 209.The display is admired by thousands each year, and the Fabrizio house anchors the town's annual Arrival of Santa parade.There's no charge to see the extravaganza, but many show appreciation by dropping quarters or dollars into a Make-A-Wish bucket. The display has raised thousands for various charities since 1987.Fabrizio, a quiet, soft-spoken man, says he erects the first strings of lights almost three months in advance. He prefers to take his time and is very methodical.Each detail is important when your goal is to showcase Christmas through the eyes of a child.And just as important is inspiring each child to reach for magic, and never be afraid to let it go.