Every December, Dunnville glows with a kind of magic that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Families bundle up to tour the lights. Children point out their favourites. Visitors marvel at the craftsmanship. And locals feel a quiet pride knowing these displays are more than decorations—they are pieces of our community’s history.
This year, our Adopt-A-Light Program added a new chapter. Businesses, families, and generous individuals stepped forward to adopt or grant a “Light Wish,” helping preserve the displays that have lit Dunnville for more than two decades. (see Intro Blog – https://dunnvillechamber.com/keeping-dunnville-bright-the-story-behind-our-adopt-a-light-program/ )
But to truly understand how meaningful that is, we need to look back at where these displays began.
A Look Back: How Dunnville’s Light Displays Were Born
When we began researching the origins of the light displays, we were fortunate to speak with Vicki Powell, whose father Vic Powell and their family business played a major role in fabricating many of the iconic pieces we still see today.
When It All Started
According to Vicki, the earliest displays were created around 2001, marking nearly 25 years of holiday tradition in Dunnville.
How the Powell Family Became Involved
In the early years, requests for new displays were brought to the Powell shop through the Chamber of Commerce. It was a vision of Carolyn Chymko, Christmas Coordinator and Chamber Board Member. She would arrive with an idea—sometimes fully formed, sometimes just a vision—and collaborate with John Hart Sr. to sketch out a workable design.
Once the design was finalized, construction began.
A True Community Effort
Vicki shared that building these pieces was no small task:
“Some of these would take months of fitting, welding, and reworking to make something that would stand on its own and hold up to the wind and snow.”
Nearly every employee had a hand in these displays at one point—cutting, bending, welding, grinding, assembling. It was the definition of teamwork, and each display carried the fingerprints of many hands.
In the early years the themes and inspiration came through Carolyn, from community requests—local groups, seasonal ideas, and designs that reflected Dunnville’s spirit and history.
When asked about personal favourites or stories, Vicki highlighted two displays that remain especially meaningful:
The Nativity Scene – Designed separately for Ed Bucsis, who cared for it over many seasons.
The Nathan Horton Stanley Cup Display – A proud nod to Dunnville’s hockey heritage and a favourite among the shop’s hockey fans.
These pieces, like so many others, became more than metal and lights—they became symbols of our shared identity.
Residents see the sparkle and magic each December, but behind the scenes the process was massive. As Vicki explained:
“Honestly, the light display was a big job. It was a lot of work every year to build a display, to install and to take down and store.”
Their family didn’t just create displays—they helped build a tradition that still defines Dunnville’s holiday season.
A New Chapter: Adopt-A-Light & Light Wish Sponsors of 2025
This year, something remarkable happened.
The community didn’t just admire the lights—we stepped forward to preserve them.
Through the Adopt-A-Light Program, residents and businesses adopted displays, granted Light Wishes for new displays, honoured loved ones, and helped ensure that Dunnville’s handcrafted displays continue to shine.
What This Program Represents
- Honouring the roots and craftsmanship of Dunnville’s early builders
- Supporting today’s volunteers who install, repair, and maintain the displays
- Ensuring this beloved tradition continues for future generations
- Connecting families, businesses, and community pride in a meaningful way
The story, the Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, Carolyn Chymko, the Powell family began is now carried forward by every person who adopted a light this year.
When you visit the lights this year, look for the plaques beside each display. Every name represents someone who stepped forward to preserve our traditions. Please help us honour their kindness by reading their dedication and sharing a heartfelt ‘thank you’—whether in person, online, or simply in spirit.
Thank You ...
