IT ALL BEGAN WITH A STAR.
By Michelle Fadelli | Photos courtesy of the Sundar Shadi Holiday Display collection
During the Christmas season in 1949, Mr. Sundar Shadi placed a star
on the hillside next to his home on Arlington Boulevard in El Cerrito.
Over the years he added the “Three Wise Men,” village buildings
and villagers, and dozens of sheep and camels, donkeys and dogs, and,
of course, the angel.
What he built was a beautiful hand-crafted holiday scene; but
what he actually created were invaluable Christmas memories for his
neighbors and their children… and now their grandchildren.
The “Sundar Shadi Holiday Display” will return to its new home on
Moeser Lane in El Cerrito this year on December 10th. Once again, the wise
men will sit on their camels and make the long journey toward the “Town
of Bethlehem” while the shepherd minds his sheep, the local villagers gather
round the campfire, and the angel gazes serenely over all. Above the village,
the star Mr. Shadi made so many years ago will sparkle and shine to the
delight of visitors young and old.
Despite Mr. Shadi’s passing in 2002, his holiday display continues thanks
to numerous volunteers and generous donations from the community.
Former mayor Jane Bartke enlists friends and family to design new clothing
for the villagers when needed, and local resident Matt Houser rebuilt the
broken necks and legs of three large camels for his Eagle Scout project several
years ago.
Again this year, dedicated Shadi volunteers will lovingly repair noses,
repaint faces and get everything ready to be on display. Hope you will come
to enjoy it!
54 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM DECEMBER 2017
The Sundar Shadi Holiday
Display will go up on Sunday,
December 10th and will remain
through December 26th, lit each
evening from 5 to 10 pm, at 7501
Moeser Lane in El Cerrito.
For more information, including
details on musical performances,
volunteering this holiday season
or donating for restoration work,
please visit ShadiHolidayDisplay.
com.
For fun photos and stories, follow
us on Facebook at: facebook.
com/Sundar-Shadi- Holiday-
Display.