CarMax Tacky Light Run - Tacky Training Blog
In the latest installment of the CarMax Tacky Light Run Tacky Training Blog, Katy Lloyd-Mustian describes the excitement that is building in Walton Park for the event on December 12, as well as a few pesky electrical and weather issues that created some extra challenges to their ‘Christmas in Margaritaville’ theme (all photos courtesy of Christine Hoggan).
December 9, 2015
Credit: Christine Hoggan
The cars, buses, limousines, and pedestrians are making their way through Walton Park to see the bright holiday light displays throughout the neighborhood. The décor seems to be bigger and brighter than last year. New neighbors are starting their collections, and veteran decorators have stepped up their game. Residents have embraced the CarMax Tacky Light Run and are looking forward to welcoming thousands of runners on Saturday, December 12.
Sports Backers elves have left evidence throughout the neighborhood and in Mines Park signaling that final preparations are underway.
Neighbors are anxiously awaiting the awarding of race superlatives and for the Women’s Club of Walton Park to judge for the best tacky and traditional displays. The coveted signs will soon be proudly displayed in the winners’ yards, and bragging rights will be awarded.
Credit: Christine Hoggan
But all of the fun and excitement doesn’t come without difficulty. We had to call an electrician to our home on Dawnridge Court recently to ensure the light displays in the yard didn’t go dark. A few electrical outlets were repaired in the detached garage, which happens to be on a different electrical circuit than the house. During the three-day rain event, some of the lights went out due to the moisture in the extension cords. My husband Tom and I spent the rainy nights outside trying to replace strands of lights or extension cords so that passersby were not disappointed. Unfortunately, we weren’t completely successful. Once the weather cleared, however, the lights were back on!
Despite those challenges, the weekend anticipation of the CarMax Tacky Light Run trumps all. More than 30 Walton Park residents are signed up to host cheer zones along the race route so race participants will have lots of support along the way.
Our family, along with longtime friends and fellow Walton Park residents Paula and Bryan Chamberlain, are making final preparations for our cheer zone on Dawnridge Court. The Meadow Street Band will be performing at the cheer zone, and rumor has it that the band members are creating song lyrics to fit the Christmas in Margaritaville theme. More than 40 of our friends and family members are planning to attend – many who attended in past years and others who have heard the hype and don’t want to miss out on the excitement!
Credit: Christine Hoggan
The neighbors are looking forward to hosting the runners and seeing what crazy costumes and themes the participants come up with. They will be welcomed with open arms by excited Walton Park residents and other spectators. The neighborhood participation and excitement leading up to the CarMax Tacky Light Run brings about the strong sense of community within Walton Park. It is something that our family and friends are proud to be a part of, and we are excited that this is now a great neighborhood tradition!