Carrying on Christmas lights tradition in rural Hillsboro after the death of a loved one

Richard Schlichtmann plans to continue his late wife's legacy to bring cheer to the region

HILLSBORO, N.D. (KVRR) – Decorating your house for the holidays is a time honored tradition. For one man out by Hillsboro, he is trying to bring cheer to the region, especially after the death of his wife in 2020.

Richard Schlichtmann plans to continue his late wife’s legacy for as long as he can.

“My wife was the one who was the driving force behind it when we started and that’s probably 10 years ago. It started smaller but it has grown.” said Schlichtmann.

You have to understand a lot of these displays are made by Richard like this one. A teeter totter on the property took him a couple of years and it is now out on display in rural Hillsboro. He also made a Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round.

He has been doing this tradition for many years. It was something he would do with his wife, Dianne. But after her death three years ago, Richard has vowed to keep the Christmas decorating alive and grow it each year.

“Well, I think she would be very happy. She always wanted to do this, to bring more joy to others and I think to continue that in her absence would be very important to her.” said Schlichtmann.

You can find the Christmas light display off Exit 100 on I-29 and head to 156th Ave. SE.