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Highlands Today

A Miniature Winter Wonderland

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: December 1, 2008

SEBRING - With a glance at the simple holiday decorations in the front yard, a visitor would never anticipate the intricate holiday scene located at the rear of the Sirrine family's home.

More than 100 buildings, each about the size of a breadbox, comprise a series of snow villages.

A pair of model trains circle everything from a diner, dozens of snow covered homes and businesses, a ski slope, two airplanes, a hot air balloon to one of two movie theaters advertising the classic holiday film, "Miracle on 34th Street," on the marquee.

Even during the daytime, most everything lit from inside glows and sparkles.

The display was three years in the making and took Gary Sirrine about a month to set up this year. He started collecting miniature reproduction buildings in 1987.

Now at about 400 square feet, the original display "outgrew" the living room, was next assembled in the family garage - which it also outgrew - and now occupies the couple's Florida room.

And the Sirrines will again expand the display next year, possibly by adding a pond or a field.

"It's different every year and we incorporate a little bit more," said Gary Sirrine.

The models were produced by several brand manufacturers, including Department 56, Charles Dickens, North Pole, Coca-Cola and Disney.

The couple moved to Sebring four years ago from Greenville, Mich.

"We miss seeing Christmas decorations, but we don't miss the snow to the point where want to move back up there," said Sirrine.

Many of the 100 buildings cost $50 and more each. Sirrine pumped at least $7,000 into the magical wonderland.

Julie and Gary Sirrine were married about four years ago. Julie is no stranger to collecting miniature buildings. She brought a series of Charles Dickens brand buildings to the marriage that enhanced the display perfectly.

Last year more than 100 visitors saw the snow villages.

"We do it just because other people love it," said Julie Sirrine. "Our entertainment is when other people come out and say, 'Isn't this great?'"

"We both enjoy people so much. This is something people really enjoy."

Gary said that repeat visitors often miss details on their first visit and enjoy discovering new aspects of the couple's creation.

Christmas will be quite special this year, according to Julie, Gary was diagnosed with cancer in February and she happily said that "he beat the disease."

The Sirrines open their doors to the public to view the display, from 7 to 9 p.m., with no appointment needed.

They live not far from Homer's, just off the Sebring Parkway, at 2127 Pasco Drive.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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