The "Y" lights as seen at the late Joe Day's
home in Versailles in 2009.
file photo
(Versailles, Ind.) – A Ripley County Christmas tradition appears to have come to an end.
Joe Day used to erect a tremendous light display around his home at the intersection of U.S. 50 and U.S. 421 in Versailles – known to locals as the “Y” – each year. He began with a modest display when he moved into the home in 1976, but it grew larger each year.
Day died of cancer in February. During the two year’s he fought the disease, a group of volunteers led by Bill McDonald, a member of the Osgood Knights of Columbus, stepped in to keep the display alive.
However, this year the lights will not go up at the Day residence, McDonald tells Eagle 99.3. Family members have requested the display be cancelled.
“Even though the ‘Y’ will be dark this year, the lights will still shine in our memories and hearts thanks to Joe,” said McDonald.
Some of Day’s lights and mechanical features of Santa Claus and his elves have been purchased from Joe’s widow, Peggy, by Josh Lohrum, of Osgood. The more modest display can be seen on U.S. 421 just north of Osgood near County Road 525 North.
“It is nice to see someone was able to salvage some of the displays and keep the spirit alive,” McDonald said.
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