Merry and Bright

For most of the year, 8558 Elks Road in Seaford might easily be mistaken for any number of rural back road addresses in Sussex County. But from the end of November through December, it transforms into “The Drive-Thru Christmas on Merry Lane,” a stunning Christmas light display inviting those who visit to remember the magic of the holidays while also supporting local nonprofits within the community. 

For over 25 years, this seasonal spectacle was owned and operated by Kenna Nethken, owner of Cut ’Em Up Tree Care. After experiencing health issues in 2022, Nethken began the search to find someone new to take the reins. Enter Co-op member Elizabeth Barczak, who saw Nethken’s call for new leadership on a local newscast.

“Our family had been going to the Cut ’Em Up Tree Care lights display for 15 years, since my oldest son was little,” Barczak says. “When I saw the video saying they were looking for someone to take it on, I was actually looking out the window toward our lane, and I thought, ‘Oh, we could completely do this!’”

Since 2023, the display has thrived and expanded at its new home on the grounds of Mid-Atlantic Services A-Team Corp. — owned by Barczak’s parents Michael and Rosemary Everton. Setting their car radios to the station provided by volunteers upon entry, visitors can enjoy  favorite Christmas songs while traveling down the roughly half-mile lane, decorated with tens of thousands of Christmas lights with multiple and varied displays. Guests must first drive through the stunning North Pole Passage, constructed in 2024, the newest addition to Merry Lane. Standing 18-feet tall, it takes over 6,000 lights to completely cover it. They will then enter Frosty Forest — a dazzling display of ornamental snowmen, reindeer and more, surrounding an enormous star-topped Christmas tree. When visitors near the end of the lane, they are treated to holiday cheer and candy canes. On select nights — if he can steal away from the North Pole — Santa himself even stops by!

What’s even more amazing than the display itself is that its construction and setup are done almost entirely by Barczak and the rest of the Merry Lane Committee, along with their friends and family.  With the help of roughly 20 volunteers, the group hosts planning sessions throughout the summer, sets up the decorations in October, creates promotional materials, identifies sponsors and more. Bringing the display to life is a team effort that is truly a labor of love. 

“Merry Lane is such a simple display to enjoy during the holidays. It’s free, you can drive through and it’s so special,” Barczak says. “As a family, it’s an opportunity for us and our kids to create and be a part of something that can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.”

While there is no charge to delight in all the holiday magic Merry Lane has to offer, donations are welcome and always appreciated. Barczak says that Nethken always donated any money raised to local nonprofit organizations like the Seaford Kiwanis Club and Heroes Haven, a practice the team has continued and expanded upon since taking over operation of the display. 

Along with accepting monetary donations, Merry Lane Committee member Jamie Everton came up with the “Stuff the Sleigh” initiative, which raises money or needed items for local causes each week. Merry Lane also offers nonprofits a percentage of donations if they volunteer at the display. Last year, Merry Lane raised more than $7,200 to be distributed to more than a dozen local nonprofits.

While community is at the heart of everything the Merry Lane team strives to achieve,  it’s the community that has formed around them and their heartwarming display that Barczak is most moved by.

“This is more than just the simple lights,” Barczak says. “It’s bringing people together and making them a part of something that brings joy to the community. Of all the effort put forth, it’s building community that truly means the most.”