By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

This year is the last year Eldred Allen will be putting up his Christmas lights as he has been doing every year for the last 38 years. He first started when he and his family moved to Lewisburg from Arkansas in 1975. In years past he has had as many as 50,000 Christmas lights, with a nativity scene, icicles hanging from his home, and other figurines that he and his family have enjoyed so much.

Each year local families have driven by the Allen home to enjoy the Christmas display. For many families, the Allen family tradition had become a tradition of their own.

"I love to see the little ones enjoying the lights," said Allen.

This is going to be the last year Allen puts up his Christmas display. This year his light display begins every evening promptly at 5:15 pm and turns off at 9:15. Closer to Christmas Eve they will begin to stay on later. On Christmas Eve the lights will be displayed all night. Here is his personal thanks to his friends and the community for their continuous support over the years.

"Merry Christmas 1975 to 2013 from Eldred and Monette Allen, 785 Ashwood Avenue. Since I was just a child back in Dyess, Ark. at age six, I am now 87 years of age. My wife, Monette, of 65 years, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 11, 2013. I want to thank all our many friends of Lewisburg, Tenn., for your friendship and love.

"Back in 1935, my Mother and Father had one string of lights on the cedar tree at our front porch and I never forgot it. I brought it to Lewisburg in 1975, and it grew to what it has become through these past 38 years. Just ask Jeff McKay and his children and their children or Monette Fagan and her family. Just let me say that Monette, I, and our children Sherry Ferguson and Faye Harrison, their children, and their children and others, we still have and do enjoy the lights as much as anyone!

"I am sorry to tell everyone that this will be my last year to put up lights on 785 Ashwood. I don't get around as good as I used to. Monette's little penguin is still skating for her.

Thank you, God Bless, and Happy New Year!"

Eldred Allen.