The Vero Beach Country Club has a secret. For the past 11 years a Christmas village has sprouted up just before Thanksgiving, adding to the festive ambiance as the holidays approach. While one might assume the village was the work of Santa’s elves, an in-depth investigation revealed that it’s the work of Judy and Ken Folck.
Judy Folck began her foray into the creation of this snapshot of Rockwellian life 37 years ago, with the purchase of a single blue house that remains part of the display.
“I was a young, single mother. The blue house was cheap and I needed decorations,” she recalled. It opened the floodgates for a lifelong hobby that has filled her with as much joy as it has given others. “And I get to play with dolls and not be ridiculed for it.”
What started as a singular effort became a joint project, with husband Ken helping to transport and unpack all the pieces, while leaving the design up to her.
“I know not to ask her where things go,” shared Ken Folck. “She takes the lead and I trust her judgment.”
When folks stumble across the village, located along a long hallway near the dining room, it’s like discovering “Brigadoon” at Christmastime. Setup takes six days and scenes change each year for the village, which runs roughly 50 feet and includes more than 150 buildings and more people, trees and animals than can be counted.
Each scene portrays a microcosm of life, eliciting a sense of nostalgia as skiers swoop down the slopes, a bear catches fish in the pond, clowns entertain under the big top, and children gawk at animals in the zoo.
Snippets of everyday life include movie theaters, airports and country clubs, a working gondola, fountains, a dam and a running train. She says it’s the small details that make the difference, adding, “the rocks and trickling water, flickering campfires and skiers coming down the hill really bring it to life.”
New pieces are added each year – this time the big top, bumper cars and parachute drop – all purchased on sale or at a second-hand store. The only item she paid full price for was the gondola and the one piece she covets is a quad chair only available in Europe.
“Club members start asking about the village in September. The only year we didn’t set it up was after the renovation and the members really missed it,” recalled Judy Folck.
“It’s become a tradition for members to bring their grandchildren,” added her husband.
“When it’s all set up I love walking by and seeing the look on people’s faces. Some of them spend hours looking at it. I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m able,” vowed Judy Folck.
Photos by: Gordon Radford
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