Red McCorkle’s magic Christmasland now in the memories of Collinsville residents

Last year the residence of Red McCorkle was billed as a “don’t miss experience” on the Keep Collinsville Beautiful (KCB) Holiday Tour of Homes. That turned out to be a premonition, because for the first time since 1994, the former mayor’s home will not be open this season to the many visitors who had made it a part of their family holiday tradition. 

Now in his 91st year, McCorkle is in rehab, enjoying greeting friends there instead of at his front door, where in past years he guided visitors through a houseful of vintage and rare Christmas curios, many of them automated with words and music.  

The 2024 KCB Holiday Tour will be Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m. with four interesting Collinsville locations, minus the McCorkle property. 

“Red will be with our annual tour in spirit, as the 2024 Holiday Tour of Homes is dedicated to him,” KCB president Betty Graham said.

The McCorkle outdoor property display, so bright that it was viewed from airplanes in flight paths over Collinsville, took months to install. Starting in early September, McCorkle could be seen outside with his truck and tools, attaching dozens of light figures – Santa Clauses, reindeer, candy canes and every Christmas icon imaginable-- to the fences. Joking but serious, he always said his winter electric bill was “as big as the state of Texas.”

Technical preparation was elaborate, as the outdoor wonderland of lights and blowups required a network of electrical outlets and plugs to be installed and maintained around his large yard. With occasional help from high school students, McCorkle did most of the work himself, and he loved doing it. Realizing physical limitations earlier this year, however, he asked KCB to assist in removing the outdoor figures, which were donated to the Collinsville display on the town square.  

“Tickets are still $10 each and free for kids 12 and under. We have some surprises that will be fun for children, so we hope you will bring the whole family. Red will love to know that kids are still coming to the tour,” Graham said.

KCB Tour tickets are on sale at many Collinsville locations or from any KCB member, and funds go toward Collinsville student scholarships. Tour info and updates are found on the Keep Collinsville Beautiful Facebook page.