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"Everybody loves it,” said Joe Vincenti, a self-employed painter and decorator who invites the public to come see his backyard Berkley Place display, and take photos, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Vincenti’s grandfather’s Nativity scene and his mother’s decorating touch inspired him 12 years ago to create a home display that has grown over the past few years.
When Willow Run Nursery & Garden Center announced that it would close after more than half a century in business, he bought a number of Halloween and Christmas decorations from one of his favorite childhood destinations.
“We’re one of the last animated displays around," he said. "I know of a couple other places that do it in Staten Island."
Vincenti began preparing a Halloween display in mid-July, with completion by mid-September.
Once October hit, he began working on Christmas.
“I tear down the Halloween displays on Halloween night, so I can get Christmas going, and I have it open around Election Day,” he said.
Turkey decorations adorn the front lawn for Thanksgiving.
"Twinkletown was such a crowd drawer," Vincenti said. "I posted (on Facebook), and all of the sudden it got hundreds of likes. The weekends are flooded with people here.”
Although he doesn't charge, Vincenti puts out a decorated Toys for Tots collection box through Dec. 18. Last year, the community contributed several hundred items.
“It can’t get better than that,” he said.
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