It all started with an angel.

When Don Tompkins moved to his Crow Valley farm, he began a tradition that has made Orcas Islanders smile every holiday season.

His five-acre property includes a farmhouse, fenced pastureland, and two outbuildings, one of which is clearly visible driving out of Eastsound. Tompkins began hanging up light displays in 1994, shortly after moving to the island.

“I couldn’t resist putting up lights because the building is perfect for people to see as they drive out of Eastsound. I started with the angel and then got carried away,” he said.

Tompkins put up lights at his home on Mercer Island, where he lived before moving to Orcas.

“I was in a subdivision there. Here, I’m a public nuisance,” he laughed.

The building, which was originally a chicken shed, has been the backdrop for a pumpkin on Halloween, a turkey leading up to Thanksgiving and then a cooked turkey on the day, a Christmas tree, an angel, rabbit ears for Easter, and a heart with an arrow through it for Valentine’s Day. The structure currently houses workout equipment and a ping pong table.

The light enthusiast is also known for his brood of border collies, a breed he began rescuing 25 years ago. For years, Tompkins has been spotted riding his bicycle, pulling a cart of happy dogs behind him. He also brings his collies for a special ride every summer in his Model-T in the July 4th parade. In addition to his chickens and a flock of sheep, he currently has three dogs: Daisy, Lucy, and Pepi, who he found on the street in Mexico. He has also rescued litters of border collies, which he brought to Orcas.

“They are scattered around the island,” he said.

Tompkins has vacationed in Mexico for the last 40 years, often driving down, so he could bring his pooches with him. Last year was the first winter he didn’t make the trip.

Tompkins, who is 80 years old, has always hung the lights himself, but recently employed the help of Phil Knight, who rents a house on his property. He says the main reason for setting up the displays is the joy it brings to drivers who pass by.

“I love the pleasure the lights give people who are driving in the early morning hours to catch the red eye,” Tompkins said.