Visit the 2008 Mega Christmas Light DisplayST. PETERSBURG – The Oakdale display was honored to be among the top three finalists on the NBC’s – Today Show “Al Be Home For Christmas” contest. It was featured first on HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special, was among the best on HSN, and featured in People Magazine. Work began in August with a team of about 14 people. It takes roughly 10 truck loads to bring all the items from storage. About 609,751 lights blanket one and one-half acres at the Oakdale display. There is a dazzling fiber optic forest, an 18 train HO scale model railroad, computerized lights set to music, a walking tour, outdoor TV, hundreds of moving and animated items, approximately 50 snowmen (up to 15’ tall), and lots of inflatable and lit up figures and displays. Several Christmas trees tower over the display –rising to 70 feet. For the kids there are hands-on games and bubble machines. Three high capacity electric meters handle the power. The electric bill may hit nearly $5,000. Traditionally, the display begins Friday, the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28). It operates every day from 6 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. The last day should be Saturday, January 3rd. It began in 1977; this should be the 32nd year. It’s fun for the whole family and it’s all free. To get to the Christmas House Display (2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg) Traveling on 1-275, take exit #22 (old exit #9) which is 175E. Turn right on 4th St., heading south. Go about 1 mile, crossing 22nd Ave. S. The next street on the left is Oakdale. Go two blocks and park or look.
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