Suwannee Democrat

Features

Related Videos

Related Photos

  • A village masterpiece. - Photo: Bryant Thigpen

    DSCF2423.JPG

Discussion

December 20, 2012

Building a village tradition (+video)

Bryant Thigpen Suwannee Democrat

Live Oak — Bobby Brickles is the proud owner of a three level Christmas village that has been a tradition for Bobby and Patti Brickles for over 25 years. This passion first began in the mid 1980s when the family purchased their first little village to place on a counter top. Later, the family placed it on top of the entertainment center. It was then the growth of the village began.

A Department 56 Village were the first pieces that were purchased by Bobby Brickles around 1985.   

“Every year we add a little bit more to the village,” Bobby Brickles said. “It’s just gradually grown from one stage to the next.”

Last year, the village was placed on a three feet by seven feet platform. This year, the village sits on an L shaped platform that is 16 feet long, five feet deep, and the bottom of the L extends to seven-and-a-half feet.

“It’s a big boy’s toy,” he laughed.

Brickles said it takes about two weeks to put it together. He and his granddaughter, Reina, start from scratch every year and create a village that is one of a kind.

“My granddaughter Reina is a big asset in putting this village together. She’s my number one helper, but she’s also my number one critic,” Brickles laughed. “If something is out of place, she is the first to notice it.”

Inside the village, one will find classic stores like Walmart and Dollar General. There are two stores in the village named after them, Bobby’s Garage and Patti’s Donut Shop. One can find cars parked everywhere with people shopping and ice skating in the park. There are two street cars and two trains, the Polar Express and the Nestle Candy Train, that are in full operation.

“There is a cart on the Nestle Candy Train that is dedicated to the firefighters who were heroes on 9-11,” Brickles said. “This is my way to honor them and their sacrifices for our country.”

Brickles said about 120 people came into their home to view this masterpiece. This year, they’re expecting more.

“Kids absolutely love it,” he said. “To see their eyes light up and the joy it brings to them makes all of the hard work and effort worth it.”

Text Only
Features
Business Marquee
AP Video
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
House Ads
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Suwannee Democrat on Facebook
Poll

School’s out soon. What are your summer plans for the kids

Stay home with them.
Hire a babysitter.
They're old enough to watch themselves.
Summer camps, programs.
Travel.
     View Results
LIVE Super Bowl Coverage
Facebook