WORCESTER — By day, Alex Cornwell is a hardworking construction professional. But as dusk falls, he dons another hat – that of a holiday maestro orchestrating a grand festive display at his Worcester residence. What started as a modest setup in 2019 has now ballooned into an enchanting array of 185 holiday inflatables, drawing visitors from far and wide to 26 Dawson Road.
This year’s collection features an eclectic mix of holiday favorites. Santa Clauses mingle with beloved Disney characters, including Yoda, while cheerful Minions and a mischievous Grinch stand guard among traditional snowmen and gingerbread figures.
The “Cornwell Holiday Display,” a labor of love, welcomes visitors nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. Setting up this winter wonderland is no small feat. Cornwell dedicates the first week of November to dismantling Halloween decorations, followed by a three-week marathon to bring the holiday display to life. Despite challenges like strong winds forcing a temporary shutdown, his commitment never wavers.
However, the display isn’t just about dazzling lights and inflatable characters. At its heart, it’s a fundraising endeavor for ‘Why Me’, a charity devoted to battling childhood cancer – a cause close to Cornwell’s heart, having fought the disease himself at the age of one.
The display has become a beacon for both local children and visitors from as far as North Carolina. Cornwell’s efforts are rewarded with the smiles and gratitude of young visitors. “The kids love it,” he shares. “Their thanks and waves make all the hard work worthwhile.”
Cornwell’s display is more than a festive attraction; it’s a symbol of hope and generosity, lighting up not just Dawson Road, but also the lives of those fighting childhood cancer.
