Madison family’s Christmas decorations win network television competition

A Christmas display on Indian Pine Lane that has brought light to the community for 30 years was recognized on national television this season.

John and Sheri Rowe, along with their daughters Lindsey Rowe and Lauren Rowe-Hobbs, have put out the display every year since they moved to Indian Pines Lane in Madison 30 years ago.

This year they won ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight during an episode that aired on Dec. 19. Their winning included a $50,000 cash prize and a trophy.

“It was amazing,” John said. Lindsay added the experience was “surreal” and Sheri said the family was “humbled” by the win.

John Rowe said they filmed the episode last year.

“We had to keep that secret for a year,” John said. “We were surprised and honored it was a great accomplishment just to be on the show.”

John Rowe said the family watched the episode together with a few friends. After their win was announced he said they heard from people all over the country.

In the nights after it aired, John Rowe said he and his family stood in their driveway passing out candy canes.

“We talked to a couple that said they drove up from the coast after seeing the episode,” John Rowe said.

The display includes 200,000 lights, around 30 balloons and 70 custom yard signs that feature a variety of characters.

Sheri said they started with a gingerbread house the first year and soon decided to add a sleigh.

“Every year it got a little bigger until it has become what it is now,” John Rowe said.

Other items include Disney princesses and a wireframe snowman rescued from a junk store and dressed up with. masking tape and paint.

Above the entire display "above everything else" is a cross simply accompanied by some stars or a few snowflakes.

The Rowe’s said they were both inspired by childhood memories of watching their parents decorate for Christmas and driving around with their family to see Christmas lights as a kid.

The display will remain up through Dec. 31.

“Come on by and see us,” John Rowe said.

Madison is no stranger to gigantic Christmas displays, with the Richardson Light Show probably the most popular. 

In 2018, the Richardsons participated in the same ABC competition, though they did not win the contest. The Richardson show was cancelled in 2023.