It's not uncommon to see a few extra cars driving through local neighborhoods to check out holiday light displays this time of year.

But along Cambridge Street in Springfield, passersby really get an eyeful.

“My co-workers say it was a hobby, then an obsession, now it’s a way of life,” says Mike Bagwell.

He’s the mastermind behind the huge holiday light display.

There are 70,000 lights, 250 power chords, a toy train and even a radio station with music that's synchronized to the lights.

“My first computer system when I started getting big into the lights was back in 2002,” says Bagwell.  “I started with about 10,000 lights and each year we added about 10,000 more.”

You see, Mike’s a programmer.   So the technical side of this dazzling display is half the fun.

“Nice thing we have is a thru street.  If we were a cul-de-sac, my neighbors would probably want to vote me out of the neighborhood.”

Except for the guy next door, who happens to be Mike's dad and who has almost as much Christmas spirit.but I’ll go along.”

So Mike and his dad Henry both light up the neighborhood to the delight of thousands who pass by.

Admittedly, the music and the mayhem is the brainchild of the younger Bagwell.

“You’re just the wing man,” says Henry.  “I’m just the wing man.  I’m free labor.”

“I love Christmas and I love Christmas lights,” says Mike.  “And to me, you've got to share it with people. And we're all celebrating Jesus' birthday.  So every year I add more light, like we're adding candles on a cake in honor of him.”

It takes Mike and his dad between one and two months to string all the lights and get the characters positioned just right.

"Well I was kind of hesitant at first,” says Henry Bagwell.  “I thought this is going to be an expensive adventure,

“Since I’ve been retired 14 years, it’s been an extra job,” says Henry.  “It adds up pretty quick on extension chords.”

But the time and effort are worth it when Mike and Henry see the smiles of those who stop by for a look.

“They say thank you.  Their kids love it.”

What's more, Mike says he's planning on some new surprises for next year.   But like any great designer, he's not ready to spill the beans on how much brighter his block is going to get.

“Oh you'll just have to come back and see.  But next year should be twice as good as it is this year.”

Mike says it costs about $500-600 for one month to run electricity for the display.   And he also has a car-counter out front.

“Last year he had 11,000 drive by.”

He's expecting 15-20,000 this year.

If you want to check it out, just head down Battlefield road to Luster.

Go north on Luster and take your first left onto Cambridge.  You can't miss it.