Avon Home Lights the Season

Are you looking to take in an awesome Christmas Lights display this holiday season?

Then take a drive out to 37811 Century Lane in Avon. The home of Chris and Melissa Salem is lighting the night in a glorious, special way that celebrates the holiday season and also serves as a fundraiser for Autism Awareness.

The home has gained attention both locally and nationally. The Illuminating Company recognized the display last week as a “Merry & Bright” holiday winner – recognition that goes out weekly to customers with special creations.

“Chris’s display consists of about a half-acre of lights and about 25,000 LED bulbs with music,” says the Illuminating Co on its Facebook page.

The display was also noticed by reporter Owen Varga of Ohio Road Trips, who ran a piece on their Facebook site last week.

“While driving tonight in Avon I saw a huge Christmas light display out my window,” writes Owen. “I knew I had to turn around and get some photos. It’s located at 37811 Century Lane.

“The entire display was centered around raising money and spreading awareness for autism. You can walk through the front and backyard to see many different decorations. If you are in the area make sure you give it a visit and donate! The lights and decor are wonderful!”

The Salem’s even started a Facebook site: Christmas Lights House Displays. The group is private, but has grown to include more than 18,800 members!

“I am the original founder and creator of this page that I started years ago and grew it to almost 20k followers,” says Chris on the site. “The profile pic is of my house!

“With our youngest son being diagnosed with autism earlier this year, we’ve decided to dedicate this year’s display to autism awareness. We are collaborating with Building Blocks Therapy in Avon to raise funds towards autism awareness, Early Intervention, therapy treatments, clinical trials and more.

“If you would like to support our cause, we will have contribution envelopes and box at the house and/or you can also contribute via Venmo.”

Chris and Melissa have been creating this display for six seasons now, but have upped the visibility for autism awareness this year. “I wanted to expand when my son was officially diagnosed in August.” Visitors will find gift bags, bracelets and little gifts so they can take a little something with them.

“The idea is to help spread autism awareness, educate people and really just advocate for those children with autism.”

“I’m just so blown away with the amount of support we are getting from putting autism awareness within our Christmas light display,” says Melissa. “If I could’ve only had this amount of support when Liam was diagnosed six months ago, I was so lost. But I’m grateful to know that there are so many of us out there sharing our story.”

“Thank you for always supporting us over the years and we hope to see many of you this year!”

37811 Century Lane is off the south side of Detroit Road just west of Avon United Methodist Church.