For the fourth year in-a-row, the Mead Family of Westbrook has put up a display of lights set to music that rivals anything Clark Griswold could have ever imagined.

Todd Mead works all year round on the light show because of how much he enjoyed Christmas lights during his childhood, " I have fond memories as a kid at Christmas time riding around looking at lights and finding the “cool” Christmas lights," Todd told me in an e-mail. "I have decorated our house since our son was just a toddler and we use to take him around to find the cool light displays. I don’t think he enjoyed it but I did! When we moved to Westbrook from Windham and had a location that would be safe for visitors to park and watch the lights, I jumped right in!"

Did he ever! This year's display uses 8,000 individually computer-controlled LED pixel lights and a 12,000 LED video screen. The light shows are set to music. Everything for traditional Christmas classics, Disney songs and music from current artists.

What's the question that Todd gets asked the most about the light show? "How much is your electric bill?” he says. "$10-$15 a month to run the whole show." He can also control the entire show from his smartphone.

Todd Mead
Todd Mead
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And what about the neighbors? "We have amazing neighbors that enjoy the lights and put up with the traffic each night. Many of them also have beautiful lights on display.  People can tour the neighborhood on the way out of the show and enjoy more lights."

Todd Mead
Todd Mead
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The Meads not only give to the community during the holidays with this amazing light show, but this is the third year that they are collecting donations for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. "We collect food, supplies, toys, towels, blankets, all sorts of things from their wish list. We also accept cash donations on-site at the show." There's a green donation box in front of the house. Last year they raised over $4500 in cash and supplies.

Todd Mead
Todd Mead
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Shows run nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 46 Jacqueline Way in Westbrook, right off Spring Street. Operation times will expand closer to Christmas.

Todd Mead
Todd Mead
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If you'd like to help out with a donation to the Animal Refuge League, we've got some links for you below.

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