Clark Griswold would feel right at home here in western Nevada County if he saw what Dale Ratel and Gary Fosburg did with their elaborate Christmas light displays.

This time of year, Ratel often hears the name of the fictional movie character, made famous by actor Chevy Chase in the series of National Lampoon "Vacation" movies.

"They make fun of me and call me Griswold," Ratel said of family members and friends. "They say, 'Hurry up, Clark.'"

Ratel, his wife, three grown children and two friends have strung up nearly 30,000 lights at the Grass Valley Terrace Apartments, at 275 Dorsey Dr. So far, they report no Griswold-style power failures or mishaps.

For 15 years, Ratel has put the lights up at the apartment complex for area residents' enjoyment.

"It brings me great pleasure," said Ratel, whose wife, Irene, manages the complex. "I just want everybody to feel happy this time of year."

If somebody thinks the lighting of a 25-foot-long shooting star on the apartment roof and inflatable Christmas decorations is too much, they haven't told Ratel.

About 30 to 40 cars a night typically visit the apartment display, Ratel said.

Fosburg's more elaborate display, at 15756 Rattlesnake Rd. in Penn Valley, attracts some 30 cars a night, Fosburg said.

If it's a contest - and some might wonder whether it is - Fosburg has more lights, at nearly 66,000 hanging from his rural home.

In addition to the plentiful lights, Fosburg's home features inflatable decorations 6 feet to 10 feet tall, depicting Santa Claus using different transportation modes - helicopter, airplane, motorcycle, fishing boat and train.

"It's kind of like a transportation department for Santa Claus," Fosburg said. "We enjoy bringing joy to the neighborhood."

Fosburg and his wife, Heather, have put up a display for the past 10 years, but this is the first year he's allowing people to use his driveway to view the decorations.

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To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gregm@theunion.com or call 477-4234.



If you know of another address in the area boasting a beautiful light display, e-mail the address to City Editor Trina Kleist at tkleist@theunion.com for inclusion in a holiday lights map to be published later this month. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. today.