A drive through the small community of Ripon in search of Christmas lights can take as long as two hours for a thorough appreciation of what the town has to offer from the south at Doak Boulevard to the northwest and the northeast that encompasses Spring Creek Country Club homes.

A good place to begin a drive is at 501 Meadowland Drive where a homeowner has a display of hundreds if not thousands of lights that keep pace with music found on 95.5 on the FM band.  They have a variety of colored lights dance across the lawn and the front and side of the home in a dramatic display.

The Mike and Mona Restuccia home located in the Spring Creek area is located at the corner of Wells and Topaz Lanes where some 4,000 lights create a holiday wonderland for neighbors and community members alike.  Mona Restuccia went the extra mile last year when she had 3,500 lights across the landscaping but added 500 more for this year.

Restuccia is a former Ripon city councilman and mayor who has shown his dedication to the community.  The couple has also taken the city animal shelter under their wings, having a passion for dogs and cats in the community.

The residential section on the upper east end has many homes that are decorated with lights west of North Ripon Road to Wilma Avenue on the west that includes Santos Avenue that runs between Jack Tone Road and the eastern subdivisions.

Spring Creek Drive east from Manley Boulevard is also a well lighted area of the city.

On Santos Avenue is a large Santa and his elves with the jolly old gent standing about 12-feet tall.  Many of the residents have gone all out to fill the city with Christmas spirit.

To contact Glenn Kahl email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.