INFLATABLE Christmas Spirit

SEBRING - Is Santa Claus full of hot air?

Dozens of bigger-than-life inflatable blow-up Santas and various Christmas displays are popping up in yards all over Highlands County.

Erick Kelecseny has $8,000 worth Christmas decorations, including eight blow-ups in his front yard on Duffer Road. There's the compulsory Santa, plus Mickey and Minnie, and even a full band, including shade-wearing musicians, which pumps out funky Christmas carols.

"I grew up poor my whole life and now I say I do it for the kids," said Kelecseny, about the holiday displays with fans that quietly hum all night long. "But I really do it for my own enjoyment."
Kelecseny said on Thursday night that he enjoys turning off the house lights, sitting in the yard with his daughter, 15-month-old Ericka, to watch the reaction of motorists and pedestrians.

He added $3,500 worth of improvements to this year's display. It all started several years ago during a friendly competition with a pair of neighbors.

Kelseny said he wants his property to be known as the "coolest house" in the neighborhood.

Tom Tibble, Kmart manager, sold more than 100 inflatables this holiday season, starting at a price of about $100 each. Favorites include: ferris wheels, singing families and several Disney characters.

Tibble would likely understand Kelelseny's motives.

"It's a competition to out-do the neighbors, to see who has the best Christmas display," said Tibble, "and they're easy to set up and easy to take down."

Robert Best spends a day setting up his front yard Christmas decorations, which include a 10-foot tall blow-up Santa, not far from Kelelseny on Duffer Road. Best spends about $150 per month extra on the electric bill during the holidays.

"A lot of people stop out front and look," said Best. "I love Christmas."

Thomas Taylor, of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, said his grandchildren would prefer he inflate his front yard globe with imitation snow gently falling on Santa, year-round.

"I love it when people honk and pull off the road, or stop when they're walking by," said Taylor. "It increases my Christmas spirit."