Local man competes in Christmas light reality show

You’ll see the same Simmons Christmas light show you know and love (at 68000 Estio Road in Cathedral City) — just 50,000 lights brighter; a chance at winning a reality show sure ‘upped the ante’.

“ABC contacted us after they saw us on the internet. They asked us for a demo video and we sent it to them right away and we found out we were chosen to be one of the 20 in this competition reality show,” creator Mike Simmons said.

After an extensive nationwide search, ABC chose Simmons’ home to compete for a top spot in “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”

“It was awesome because I know there are thousands of decorators out there and there are a lot of big over the top displays,” he said.

Five winners each get $50,000 – $10,000 of which Simmons will give to the charity he raises money for all season long.

“The money would be very helpful not only for us a family, maybe we can go on a vacation, but $10,000 to Find Food Bank, that equates to 70,000 meals which is huge. It almost would be able to fee all the hungry people for a couple months in the valley,” Simmons said.

You can see the light show every night starting at 5:00. Simmons hopes his house and all its 200,000 lights shine bright enough for the judges.

“Five winners, $50,000 each, and we’re hoping we’re one of them!” he said.

His home will be featured on Monday, December 16th at 9:00 on ABC.