MADISON (WKOW)-- An annual holiday tradition in Madison is now lit along University Avenue.
A retired dentist is responsible for the University Avenue Holiday Lights display.
Diana Henry introduces us to Dr. Jack Kammer, he is 'Someone You Should Know.'
"I enjoy it more than anyone else myself," said Jack.
Dr. Jack Kammer loves this time of year.
"There are 228 trees, 1,000 feet long, 3 and one-third football fields," said Jack.
Dr. Kammer planted the trees as a barrier to the railroad tracks.
"I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to put lights on these trees," said Jack.
Once they were tall enough, Dr. Kammer hung the first string of lights 16 years ago.
"The first year we only had red, green, yellow and blue lights," said Dr. Jack Kammer.
"and when the Packers won the SuperBowl that year, we turned off the red and the blue," said Jack.
Dozens of volunteers now help string the lights.
"And especially at my age, I'm a director now," said Jack
Dr. Kammer says his display even tops New York's famous holiday attraction.
"The Christmas tree in Time Square has 35,000 lights. We have 135-thousand," said Jack.
And spreading that holiday cheer each year really adds up.
"The total cost is about 10 to 11,000 dollars," said Jack.
From electricity to replacing bad strings.
"These lights are subject to harsh winter conditions, they just don't make it," said Jack.
But thanks to donations and volunteers, the tradition keeps lighting up along University.
"I thoroughly enjoy doing this," said Jack. "I'm 82 years old."
"So, I'm not sure how long I'll be able to do it, but I hope I will have some people who will take over when I can't do it anymore," said Jack.
The lights will be on every night from dusk to dawn until about the middle of January.
You can help keep the lights on by buying Dr. Kammer's book about history of the holiday light tradition.
Proceeds go directly into the non-profit light fund.
They are on sale at the University Bookstores.
