Lower Burrell man's Griswald-mobile spreads Christmas mirth

Is that you, Clark?

Lower Burrell resident John Radvansky, 42, has people across the Alle-Kiski Valley doing double-takes as they drive past his station wagon decorated like Clark Griswold’s from the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation.”

“You can’t go anywhere without somebody wanting a picture,” Radvansky said. “Sometimes people ask me to pull over so they can take pictures with it.”

The light blue, wood-paneled 1966 Chevy caprice station wagon is adorned with a Christmas tree — roots and all — that is donated by local nursery Panza Supply. Radvansky even uses a battery to power lights on the tree. He started the tradition about four years ago when he realized the station wagon matched the appearance of the one in the movie.

“Every year, I give him a tree,” said Cody Panza, owner of Panza Supply. “Every year, I try to get a better and better one.”

Panza used a mini excavator to dig the tree out with the roots still intact. He enjoys participating in the tradition each year.

“It just gets everyone in the spirit of Christmas,” Panza said.

Radvansky drives the station wagon to and from work every day in East Deer, where he owns Junior’s Automotive and Steel City Line-X and draws lots of notice along the way.

Radvansky even got the attention of the Burrell School District, where his kids attend school. He took the car over and teachers posed with it while dressed in “Christmas Vacation” attire.

“It’s been like the quiet talk of Lower Burrell,” said teacher Justin Miller. “That’s better than a house all decorated.”

Radvansky said he just likes to keep things enjoyable during the holidays and “Christmas Vacation” is one of his favorite movies.

“It’s just about fun,” he said.

Emily Balser is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Emily at 724-226-4680, emilybalser@tribweb.com or via Twitter @emilybalser.