The holiday season has officially arrived in Baltimore, 34th Street in Hampden is lit up.
For 72 years the people who live on 34th have put out extravagant displays for all to see on their rowhomes.
“It’s a spectacle and it’s very Baltimore,” said Andrea Focazio. “It reminds me of everything I love about Baltimore.”
Hillary Stralko moved onto Baltimore’s brightest block 9 years ago.
“I had no idea what I was going to decorate as, it was a lot of pressure coming on the block,” said Stralko.
She decided to do something in honor of her best friend.
“My dog Rue got cancer unfortunately and passed around the holidays,” said Stralko. “The next season I was trying to think about something to do to honor him and not be depressed around the holiday. In Judaism, there’s a whole thing about bettering the world.”
Her home became known as the doghouse—and she started giving out cocoa and cookies.
“People have really been generous, and we’ve raised thousands of dollars for local dog rescues and shelters.”
The display allows people like Deborah Harav and her rescue pup Gunnie a chance to enjoy the season.
“Gunnie is so happy and so glad to be a part of our family, she’s a delight to us,” said Harav.
The lights are turned on every night at 6 pm and usually turned off around 11 pm each night.
