BOARDMAN, Ohio - It was a nightmare before Christmas for Kenneth Moore and his family, when they received a notice from Boardman Township claiming their annual holiday display violated zoning guidelines.

The notice detailed that the arches Kenneth had installed over the sidewalk must be removed, as the candy cane-themed, light-up spectacle was blocking visibility at the intersection and had been partly installed over public property. If the Moores did not cooperate, the family could be fined up to $500 per day.

"It's disappointing, in a lot of ways," Kenneth tells 21News. "I've always envisioned myself having a corner lot so I could do these arches over the sidewalks, so kids could come through with their families."

The controversy gained attention on social media, even prompting messages of support from some members of the cast of the beloved classic movie, "A Christmas Story."

"In Boardman, I hear you guys are giving Kenny a hard time about his Christmas lights. You gotta let the guy keep his lights up. It's Christmas! C'mon!" R.D. Robb, who played "Schwartz", said in one video.

"Leave Kenny alone, let him keep up his Christmas lights, his holiday lights. Don't we need feel-good things in this world?" added Scott Schwartz ("Flick") in another video.

The Moores and the Township were able to reach a compromise over the matter, and the Moore Family said they plan for their seventh annual Holiday Display to stay open to the public throughout the holiday season.

Boardman Township Planning and zoning director TJ Keiran said the township understands the significance of the display and tradition for families in the area. At the same time, Keiran noted, families should be aware of zoning guidelines when installing their decorations this holiday season.

"You're welcome to have the greatest, most spectacular holiday decorations that you can have. What we ask is that you don't encroach into the public right of way," Keiran told 21 News.