[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CARL AND JUDY RUDD

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                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a family in 
the district I represent that has brightened the holiday season for 
generation of Southwest Ohioans.
  For the last 30 years, Carl and Judy Rudd have put on a remarkable 
Christman display at their farm near Blue Creek, Ohio. Rudds' Christman 
Farm is the largest free outdoor Christmas display in the state of 
Ohio, with over one mile of pathways covering two hillsides on the farm 
property. With more than one million lights and a 62-foot-wide 
Christmas wreath, Rudds' Christmas Farm is truly a sight to behold. And 
the overall effect is complemented by the sound of Christmas music 
echoing from the hills.
  The Rudds started their Christmas display as a testimony to their 
deep and abiding Christmas faith. Throughout the farm, there are life-
sized religious figures, paintings and slide projections that tell the 
story of Christmas. They have never asked a penny for admission, and 
for many years they would take out a loan to finance the display.
  This year, Carl and Judy Rudd will welcome the public to their 
wonderful Christmas Farm for the last time. They have decided that the 
time has come to retire after organizing their Christmas display for 30 
years.
  All of us in Southwest Ohio wish to share our appreciation to Carl 
and Judy Rudd for the Christmas joy they have brought to entire 
generations. And we wish them the best for a healthy and enjoyable 
retirement.

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