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player ready...For Jason Lever, patriotism is not just confined to some red, white and blue bunting across the porch railings of his home on Biltmore Circle in Aurora.
Every summer the Fox Valley contractor transforms the entire front lawn into a giant American flag, one so striking it stops neighbors in their tracks and has strangers slowing down just to take a closer look.
What began during the COVID-19 pandemic – like many, Lever found himself with extra time on his hands – has turned into a remarkable display of a man’s love of country, not to mention artistic talent.
That first year video of the lawn took off on TikTok, drawing 1.3 million views, says wife Carrie, noting that what started as a simple red, white and blue design has evolved into an increasingly intricate work of art that differs from year to year.
This 250th anniversary celebration is her husband’s most impressive yet – with larger stars and shadowing added that gives the illusion the red, white and blue is gently waving in the breeze.
It’s all about America, independence and pride in our country, the couple insist.
“I am super-patriotic, absolutely,” Lever insisted, noting that this Independence Day project takes several days, working a few hours at a time because each color must dry before the next can be applied.
Of course, first he has to design the flag, which starts with a drone flying over the property to map out the yard. Once the blueprint, created on his tablet, is complete, Lever mixes the paint with water to make it even more environmentally friendly, then goes to work with a spray gun.
This year Mother Nature has made the job even more challenging. Between frequent rainstorms and rapidly growing grass, Lever said he’s already had to touch up the flag three times.
The effort doesn’t go unnoticed, with neighbors stopping to admire it and visitors making special trips to see the flag for themselves.
The Lever home definitely has become a must-see destination for another reason: Halloween has always been Jason’s favorite holiday and each October the couple creates an elaborate display billed as a “full haunted house experience.” Still, when Independence Day – his second favorite holiday – rolls around, there’s no mistaking Jason Lever’s true colors.
Is this red, white and blue artwork a conversation starter? Absolutely. And it’s also “a commitment,” Lever says. But perhaps the real message growing in the Aurora man’s yard is that every now and then, our patriotism deserves to be front and center.