By Lindsay Murray
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Santa Claus was taking pictures with children while people at another house were handing out hot chocolate and cookies the other night.
For the 73rd straight year, the residents of Hampden are putting on the so-called “Miracle on 34th Street” spectacular, with residents along West 34th Street in Baltimore lighting up their homes for the Christmas season.
“It’s very pretty, the lights are very bright and it’s attracting a lot of people,” said first-time attendee Corinna Lyon, a freshman at Loyola University. “It’s crazy that the neighborhoods allow so many families to come in and … build this community.”
“It makes me excited for Christmas,” added her friend Riley Olmstead.
The first timers were already planning to return next year.
Students were quick to point out that the event provides a nice break from finals to get them into the holiday spirit.
“It’s a nice break this time of the year. Everyone is [studying] for finals and stuff, so it’s nice to just get a break and come,” said Sydney Votruba, a Loyola University student.
“Yeah, we’ve literally been studying all day so it’s really nice to get a break,” added Grayce Heinemann, also of Loyola.
“I just really like the environment here,” Votruba said. “I feel like it’s a really fun atmosphere and everyone is just happy and in the Christmas spirit.”
“I feel like it can also show how much Baltimore has to offer,” Heinemann said. “There’s literally everything and it’s a big city, but I don’t know, there’s little things like this that are so friendly family.”
Emilie Clingerman is celebrating her fourth Christmas in her home on 34th street.
“It’s a lot of work to put up all the lights, but the neighbors are really awesome,” Clingerman said. “Everybody is really engaged and usually you’re out here putting up the lights together.”
Clingerman said everyone invites their friends over for pizza and help putting up the lights. This year it took them one day with a few finishing touches the next weekend.
“It’s a place where people can come and just kind of lose themselves in this season,” Clingerman added. She describes it as a place where everyone can be kids for the night.
“It’s kind of funny. So many people become engaged across the street from us,” said Clingerman. “I don’t know, it’s just like this crazy wonderland and for some reason people just find it super romantic and magical. It’s really cool.”
Clingerman said that she spends a couple hundred dollars each year on lights. She said she pays about $10 more a month than her typical electric bill. When they first moved in, the neighbors recommended LED lights, which has helped them stay cost-effective.
“All those myths about BGE paying for it, those aren’t true. We do it, all the homeowners pay for it themselves,” Clingerman said. “It’s worth it. It’s something that we do for Baltimore.”
Sherrie Paredes of Baltimore has been coming to Miracle on 34th Street every year for about 25 years. “The fact that it’s nice, it’s fun, all you ever hear is bad things happening in Baltimore and this is amazing,” Paredes said. “It just brings everybody together and everybody’s happy.”
The event has become a tradition for not only the residents on 34th Street but also people in the Baltimore community.
“I just want to say that I am thankful that these people go out of their way to do all that they do. It’s a lot of work, and it’s appreciated,” Paredes said.
“I want to buy that empty house. I want to be a part of this,” added Brenda Govea of Baltimore.
Aaron Thomas Jr. and Aaron Thomas Sr. come to the light show as a tradition.
Thomas Sr. will play live music on the saxophone while Thomas Jr. will pass out candy canes to children and perform percussion to some songs. Thomas Jr. feels that the light show is a great representation of the Baltimore spirit.
“This is very magical,” he said. “Seeing so many lights, lots of people going around having fun, just an all-around good time.”
Homeowner James Pollock moved into his home on 34th street in 1989 after getting out of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). He spent over $400 this year on his display and spent a week setting up his lights. “This is a gift we give to the city we love,” said Pollock.
The event has been described as a one-of-a-kind event that brings the Baltimore community together to celebrate the holiday season.
“I think it’s a big thing that everybody comes and supports every year because it’s just really nice and you can’t really get it anywhere else,” said Loyola student Nick Kauffman. “I just think its super unique. I don’t really know where else you can go to see lights like this.”