Norman Christmas Staple Reopens After Vandalism

A Norman Christmas classic is back open after accused vandals trashed the Downs Family Christmas lights.

“My husband designed it all. He’s the mastermind,” Kimberly Downs said. 

It was the Sunday before Christmas and all over the Downs house, located 2900 72nd Avenue SE in Norman, more than a quarter million lights flickered, harming not even a mouse.

“It was probably about 9 o’clock at night, full yard of cars out there, and one on my daughters’ friends said, 'your lights looked weird,'” Downs said. 

She said a couple regular Harry and Marvs were up to no good.

“They were at the arches when (my husband and daughter) came out and they took off running,” she said. 

The pair of accused vandals unplugged thousands of lights and even destroying some, too. 

“Guess they think it’s entertainment,” Downs said. “And to do it with a full field of people, that’s pretty brave.”

Adding insult to injury, the loving mission behind the lights is to provide cans and money to the Regional Food bank of Oklahoma. 

“Total to date, we’ve almost generated 2.5 million meals,” Downs said. 

The Downs family was determined to not let the vandalism put a damper on their Christmas spirit. With a few added security measures, they were back up and running less than 24 hours later. 

“I hope they pick up a message, just the Christmas joy I hope they enjoy the family time, and I hope they enjoy giving back. If they wish to donate to the food bank, it’s not required,” she said. 

The Downs Family Christmas lights display turn on at 6 p.m. and run through the first weekend in January.