Community Corner

Oh, Deer! LITH Resident Builds 15-Foot-Tall Reindeer

LITH carpenter builds gigantic reindeer display for his front lawn.

Lake in the Hills resident Tom Vasica is a carpenter by trade.

So when his wife, Kim, came across a pattern and instructions for making a 15-foot-tall reindeer lawn display, Vasica was up to the task. 

"We used to have reindeer - smaller ones - in our front yard that I made," Vasica said. "I previously made a 9-foot tall moose for my daughter who lives in Antioch. So, I was all for this." 

Vasica started on the reindeer project about six months, using five and a half sheets of plywood. He cut out the pieces according to the design pattern, stained each piece of wood and finally assembled the structure the weekend after Thanksgiving.

"The pieces lock together," Vasica said. "The only part that is bolted together is the head."

Fred - the name Vasica's children have given the deer - is securely anchored to the ground to brace against the winter winds. He stands nearly as tall as the Vasica's house located at 413 Crystal Lake Road.

The display is now catching the eyes of motorists passing by, as well as neighbors and friends, Vasica said. 

Since the reindeer has been on display, Vasica has received requests from friends to build them one. Others have asked to borrow the pattern, he said. 

"Next year, Fred's getting a brother," Vasica said, with a laugh. "I'm going to make another reindeer with its head facing down." 



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