UPDATE: The Wilhoite’s tied for first place in the Crazy for the Hokies Homes Contest

Related Article:It’s a tie for first place in Tech’s spirit contest

Nov. 19

The house on Harvey Hollow Drive is well known for its Christmas spirit.

This year, however, the visual enthusiasm came alive in late August when the Richmond Times-Dispatch published a story about a contest Virginia Tech was sponsoring.

“Hokie Homes” challenged supporters to “go the extra mile” in decorating their homes in what became an all-out Hokie theme at the Wilhoite home.

The winner is scheduled to be announced on Nov. 29 when Tech plays host to in-state rival, the University of Virginia.

Rob is eager to see his name splashed across the jumbotron during halftime of the game at Lane Stadium.

First prize is $5,000; second, $1,000; and third, $500. Should they win, Rob said the prize will be returned to the school.

Although neither Rob or Paige attended Virginia Tech, they are committed to the Blacksburg school and the football team led by Frank Beamer.

To compete, the decorations had to be “up a minimum of three days,” the Wilhoites said. Their Hokie Home spirit is in its third month.

They submitted 10 photographs to the contest, with Tech selecting the winners.

Rob didn’t forget the rivalry with the Cavaliers, using a Grinch and a “boo hoo hoo” sign.

Their devotion to Tech also is shown in the amount of time they devoted to their Hokie Home. Rob said they worked anywhere from 40 to 60 hours to perfect their entry.

How did they become such fans of the Hokies? “I have been a huge Tech fan since I was an early teenager,” Paige said. Her husband caught Tech fever “back when I graduated high school.”

With orange and maroon covering the driveway, yard, shutters, trees and barn, they said their neighbors are “pretty understanding.” But that’s not all. Inflatables of the Hokie Bird and the Grinch are positioned by the driveway and property line.

In remembrance of the students and faculty members who lost their lives in the April 16, 2007 tragedy, 32 angels are displayed prominently near the center of the yard.

For accuracy in the figures, Rob obtained licensing for stencils and had them designed by Missouri Turf and Paint, known for its work with sports arenas.

He estimates he invested about $2,500 in the project.

While working on their Hokie Home, Paige said, “We’ve gotten a few slow drive-bys.”

Since they are known for their Christmas display, Paige said one neighbor boy asked if they would still fill their yard with the holiday decorations. “You have all my life,” he told her.

As for what he paid for his Hokie display and the possibility of winning one of the prizes, Rob said he didn’t care about the money, he just wants to see his house on the jumbotron.

The Hokie theme doesn’t stop with the house though. The Wilhoite family also has Rob’s “Hokie truck,” as well as Ford Mustangs with Hokie themes.

And there’s also Paige’s upstairs Hokie room. “I decided to make a room about a year ago” filled with Hokie memorabilia.

“In Virginia it’s either UVa or Tech,” Rob said. Without question they are Hokie fans.

Win or lose (although they do want to win), Rob and Paige agreed the Hokie House is a new family tradition.
And what about that popular Christmas display?

Rob started working on his decorations last weekend, and plans to hit the switch at 6 p.m. Nov. 30.

He’s been asked “Why do you do it?” His response: “Because my folks wouldn’t let me do it.”

When they send out invitations to the official lighting, Paige calls it “the grand illumination.” Rob describes it as “the grand humiliation.”
This is the eighth year they will have lit up Harvey Hollow Drive for the Christmas holiday.

Having made their home on that street for 13 years, Paige said they have “great neighbors that put up with all of this.”

Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold from the “Vacation” movies may have met his match in Rob and Paige Wilhoite.

For more information about the Crazy for the Hokies Homes Contest visit:  http://www.vt.edu/crazyforthehokies/howitworks.html.