Christmas displays light up I-90

GEORGE - The 23 lighted Christmas displays off I-90 have provided a respite for weary travelers driving through Grant County on dark winter nights.

Bob Holloway, a director with the display group, said the displays are between Dodson Road and George and should be turned on by Tuesday night.

"It is really unique," he said. "They have brought busloads from Wenatchee to see them (in the past)."

But to keep the concrete rebar displays maintained and to someday add new designs, the nonprofit AgFarmation has started to accept donations again for the work.

Those interested in donating can give $200 a year for a maintenance sponsorship or participate in a $5,000 donation to add a new display by paying for materials, lighting and transformers.

The displays range from a traditional nativity scene with Mary and Joseph to a lighthearted Clifford the Big Red Dog display. Some of the displays were first put up in the late 1980s, said Al Brower, a director of AgFarmation.

And as others got involved, the number of displays grew, Holloway said. AgFarmation took over the effort in 1998.

AgFarmation also operates the large neon sign at George showing local events and farming information and helps other local groups maintain the small crop identification signs near the lighted Christmas displays.

For more information about donating to the lighted displays, call 509-765-8911, 509-398-0775 or e-mail west@atnet.net. Donations to the nonprofit are tax-deductible, Brower said.