By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The Zaidain family, which runs Gold Eagle Security in LaPlace, took advantage of a break in the weather Saturday evening to unveil its latest Christmas light display.

Coming between the rain and wind of earlier in the day but before the cold began to take hold, a small crowd of mostly parents with young children gathered at the corner of Carrollwood and Fairway drives to see the premiere of this year’s show.

The inclement weather from earlier in the day caused a few problems for the show. Some of the fixtures failed to light and the music could be heard only faintly during the initial run, but these minor glitches were cleared up by sundown Sunday.

Besides the neighborhood spectators, the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Young Marines were out Saturday night. And while those in attendance appeared to enjoy the show, their presence served a higher purpose. The Young Marines will be out at the display nightly until 8 p.m. to collect donations for both Toys For Tots and the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home Christmas drive.

Bobbie Zaidain of Gold Eagle Security said the choice to have the Young Marines be a part of this year’s Christmas festivities was a no-brainer.

“They came and asked me, and I said I’d be glad to help them,” said Zaidain. “I’m from a military background. I grew up next to an Air Force base.”

The light show will run every evening, 6:30-9:30 p.m., until Jan. 2. Gold Eagle is located at 1956 Carrollwood Drive.