Glow on Grove is Lighting Up in Rantoul

Thanks to the Olauson family, Rantoul now has its own synchronized Christmas lights show. 

“Glow on Grove” has hit the Christmas lights circuit for the second year.  Located at 520 W. Grove Ave., the show features a variety of songs — everything from holiday fare such as Kid on Christmas and Carol of the Bells to Disney favorites such as Circle of Life and Friend Like Me.

One of the dynamic features of “Glow on Grove” is its website, which allows users to select a song that is then added to the playlist; the queue holds four songs, and you can only choose one song at a time.

The display is the brainchild of owners Brendan Olauson and wife Madelyn. The couple is expecting their first child, a girl, in February, and live with their two dogs, Rex and Remy. Brendan, a mechanical engineer, is a St. Joseph native while Madelyn, a teacher, has lived in Rantoul her entire life.

Chambanamoms asked Brendan a few questions about “Glow on Grove”:

What motivated you to put up “Glow on Grove”?

It’s hard to pinpoint one specific motivation, but I’d say there are three main factors:

• I love “magical” experiences. Growing up, my family went on many trips to Disney theme parks, and those experiences have always stuck with me. They inspired me to create something special and memorable.
• I enjoy a challenge. Going into our first season in 2023 (preparation actually started in 2022), I had no idea how to put on a light show, so everything I know now was self-taught. It’s been very fulfilling to see how far we’ve come.
• I love Christmas, and so does Madelyn. A big reason for that is the traditions and memories associated with the holiday. One of my favorite traditions growing up was driving around to look at Christmas lights, which is something Madelyn and I have continued each year. Giving families the chance to make their own memories and traditions is a huge motivation for me.

You are all into this — a logo, social media, a website. How did this passion grow?

Yes, we are all in! Preparing for the show each year is a lot of fun, and creating a brand for Glow on Grove has been a great part of the journey. Madelyn and I are the type of people who, when we decide to do something, put our all into it. Our goal with Glow on Grove is to spread the message of God’s love and the hope that Christmas brings. Additionally, the positive reception we received last year really encouraged us to keep improving and creating the best possible experience for our viewers.

How many hours does it take you to put up your show? Who are your lights “elves” that help out? Any features you are especially proud of?

I’ve never really kept track, so I don’t have exact numbers, but I’d estimate that I spend the first half of the year programming the show and building new props, which takes a couple hundred hours. Putting up the lights themselves takes a couple dozen hours, spread across September, October, and November. Troubleshooting the inevitable technical issues takes another couple dozen hours.

Do you have a favorite light show in the area (or somewhere else?) Were you inspired by any lights shows?

Our favorite locally is probably Lighting Up Paxton. We hope they come back soon, and we’re so happy for them with their new little one!

 

I was inspired by a few light shows on Youtube. Namely, Tom BetGeorge and A Very Merry Meridian . 

We hope Glow on Grove brings everyone a little extra joy this Christmas. Merry Christmas!