Jim Mains and his son Remington have hung more than 500 just in the last month
VANCOUVER — Just over a month ago, Clark County Today shared the story of Jim and Ceci Mains, and their decision to honor the victims of COVID-19 in Washington state by hanging green ribbons along the fence outside their home on Franklin Street in Vancouver.
At that time Jim and the couple’s 5-year-old son, Remington, had tied just over 500 ribbons on the fence, one for each person who has died in the state.
“On the first day we started hanging ribbons our state had 132 deaths. At that time it was projected we would have around 700,” Mains said in an email on Friday.
That was 54 days ago, and today Jim and Remington will hang ribbon number 1,005.
“Some days we have added 63 ribbons and on other days 3,” Mains said. “We are looking forward to the day when we don’t have to add any more.”
The Mains family home is well-known in Vancouver for its seasonal decorations. At Halloween, more than 2,500 Trick-or-Treaters are greeted by a full display that spans two properties and includes live actors in costume. Christmas brings a display with more than 40,000 lights and snow falling on weekend nights over the front yard and driveway.
They started receiving requests via the Holidays on Franklin Facebook group to put the Christmas display back up in an effort to bring some joy to the area. But, after a member of their neighborhood association became one of Clark County’s first COVID-19 victims, Mains decided to go a different direction.
The ribbons were Remington’s idea. As were flags for 50 other countries also dealing with the pandemic.
“The display has taken on many new elements over the last 50 days,” said Mains. That includes a sign thanking people on the frontlines of the pandemic.
The display is located at 4616 NW Franklin Street in Vancouver.
Mains says he plans to continue adding ribbons each day that new numbers come out from the state. You can follow the updates on their holiday Facebook page..Â
