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20,000 bulbs for Edgar: Derek Durkac lights it up to benefit the Edgar Burton Food Drive

Durkac Festival of Lights to run until Dec. 23

Christmas lights have always been fond childhood memory and beloved holiday tradition for Derek Durkac, but they have begun to mean so much more than that.

When he first moved to his home in 2000, Durkac's light display was relatively small, with only a few three-dimensional reindeer and house lights to brighten up the neighbourhood. 

Durkac said that every year after that, his display "got bigger and bigger and better," until in 2012 he partnered with Santa Claus and dedicated his festival of lights to the Edgar Burton Sudbury Christmas Food Drive. 

Last year alone, the Durkac Festival of Lights donated $300 and 925 non-perishable food items to the food drive, held in support of the Sudbury Food Bank. 

Durkac selected the Edgar Burton Sudbury Christmas Food Drive as the recipient of his event due to his shared history with founder Edgar Burton.

"Mr. Burton was from Inco...and I work at Vale Inco, so I knew more about the food drive there through word of mouth and we still do it at work," said Durkac.  

It takes Durkac an average of three weeks to organize his display, which this year includes more than 20,000 bulbs.

Durkac's collection consists of hand-made light displays including one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures as well as purchased, donated and restored decorations. 

"During garbage day when people throw out their three-dimensional reindeer or snowman I grab em' and I fix em' up," said Durkac. 

The Durkac Festival of Lights 2018 is hosted at 1225 Woodbine Avenue from 6-9 p.m. until Dec. 23. Special appearances from Santa Claus will be held Dec. 7, 8, 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 6:45-8:45 p.m.

For more information on the festival or to find out how you can get involved visit their Facebook page Durkac Festival of Lights. 
 


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Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

About the Author: Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A graduate of both Laurentian University and Cambrian College, Keira Ferguson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, funded by the Government of Canada, at Sudbury.com.
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