Jared McNett
For more than 25 years, the Scheitler household in the outskirts of Le Mars, Iowa has been festooned with enough Christmas ornaments that a passerby might mistake for the North Pole.
This year, there won't be more than 100,000 lights, 500 or more plastic blow molds, at least 212 lighted sculptures as well as inflatables and garlands.
"I have made the very difficult decision that Christmas Acres 2024 will not happen this year," a Saturday post on the Christmas Acres Facebook page stated. "I have struggled with this decision this past week."
The post, "signed" by Rob, Joyce and Shaunna Scheitler explained that Rob has been dealing with back problems for more than a year and hasn't seen marked improvement.
"I usually start by August 1st. The countless hours it takes me right up to opening night to get it all ready, tested. And then for 5-6 weeks, we don't go anywhere. Then it's the constant fixing and dealing with the weather. Even with the few volunteers I get, it is a lot of work," the post said.
People are also reading... Rally House announces opening in Sioux City's Lakeport Commons 18-year-old charged with having sex with 13-year-old girl Sioux City police identify man who drove pickup into Missouri River Authorities identify driver in fatal Highway 75 crash Truck recovered from Missouri River in Sioux City after Friday morning accident Iowa women's basketball loses veteran guard to start season Man charged with having sexual contact with Sioux City boys Popular food truck Malli's on Wheels now has South Sioux City storefront FIRST FROM THE JOURNAL: Iowa DOT approves 4 speed camera locations in Sioux City Woodbury County Court Report for Oct. 1, 2024 Oak View Group announces leadership restructuring at Sioux City venues 21-year-old man found dead in Le Mars after reported gunfire, disturbance Sioux City West announces homecoming royalty Sioux City bank robbery suspect arrested Majority of traffic cameras nixed by Iowa DOT under new law
With the news, the Scheitlers thanked people for their understanding and support and said "I know so many people have made this part of their holiday tradition, but my health and my family at this time is more important."
The Christmas Acres display started off small but by 2017 there were 39 trees and 47 bushes being used for Christmas lights at the Scheitler home.
Every day in December the family would don their best apparel, wrangle some Christmas candy for guests and wait for the enthusiasts to come from near and far.
Traditionally, there hadn't been a fee to wander about Christmas acres but the Scheitler would have a donation box near the front of their driveway where people could give. That money was then take to the Christian Needs Center of Le Mars. In 2017, about $4,000 was collected.
Jared McNett is an online editor and reporter for the Sioux City Journal. You can reach him at 712-293-4234 and follow him on Twitter @TwoHeadedBoy98.
0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Jared McNett
Online editor/Politics reporter/Podcaster
Author twitter Author email Follow Jared McNett Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today