The official receipt
Everyone asks what a show like this costs. Here's the version my wife got, next to roughly what a show this size really takes. For exact numbers, see the running tab.
FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY
LIGHTS ON APACHE
HOME IMPROVEMENT (LOOSELY)
Cleveland, TN
| Item | Told the wife | Actually |
|---|---|---|
| Pixels (thousands of tiny lights)Told her: “A few strands” | $49.99 | $3,200 |
| Controllers (little computers that boss the pixels around)Told her: “Already had one” | $0 | $1,400 |
| Power suppliesTold her: “It plugs into the wall” | $0 | $450 |
| Props: tree, arches, singing facesTold her: “Built from scraps” | $20 | $2,100 |
| Extension and data cablesTold her: “Had some in the garage” | $0 | $600 |
| Zip ties (sold by the pound, apparently)Told her: “A bag” | $5 | $180 |
| FM radio transmitterTold her: “Found it” | $0 | $150 |
| Show computerTold her: “It's for work” | $0 | $120 |
| Song sequencesTold her: “Made them myself” | $0 | $400 |
| Electricity for the season*Told her: “Barely anything” | $10 | $40 |
| Hours of sequencing and setupTold her: “A couple weekends” | 16 hrs | 400+ hrs |
| Trips to the hardware storeTold her: “One” | 1 | 37 |
| TOTAL | $84.99 | See below |
I am not Chris's wife. Show me the real total.
Fine. The real numbers live on the running tab, a line-by-line log of every piece of hardware in the show. Please don't forward it.
* Honestly, this one is true. LEDs sip power, so the electric bill barely moves.
Your honks, waves and smiles: PRICELESS
That's why the show is free.
** THANK YOU, COME AGAIN **