GILMER, Texas — One East Texas teen is spreading the holiday spirit with a free Christmas tour this season.
Colton Ray, owner and manager of Colton’s Christmas Wonderland, was inspired by another East Texas holiday staple — Carmela's Magical Santa Land in Longview.
“That's when he found his first love of Christmas lights,” Colton’s mother Pam Ray said.
Pam said Colton is on the autism spectrum and something about the lights and engaging with guests builds his social skills and brings him joy.
“It's been good for him to get to know people in the community and learn to work with small children. It's been perfect for his social skills,” Pam said.
Beyond the inflatables, Colton has dedicated a space in his wonderland for a neighbor who was like a grandmother figure to him, who sadly passed away from breast cancer, last year.
Last week, Pam said the line was down the road and community members have rallied behind Colton to support his dream.
“He’s such a sweet kid, and it's awesome for him to do something like this for the neighborhood and the people in the surrounding areas,” neighbor Brooke Ritter said.
Ritter lives down the road from Colton’s house and brought her four children Monday. She says this a one-of-a-kind experience.
“We'll definitely be coming back again,” Ritter said.
This is just the second year, and Colton already has over 80 different inflatables on display, with a collection and fanbase that continues to grow.
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