November 9, 2023
Entries are now open for three local Christmas lights competitions!
The first are the unique competitions organised by South Burnett Regional Council CEO Mark Pitt and his wife Nicola to build community spirit and foster the joy of Christmas.
Six Santa statues have arrived for the Santa’s Workshop trophies, along with the 2023 Santa Claus Lane sign which will be erected at the winning street.
To win this street sign, Mark and Nicola are looking for a community to collaborate and work together to create a display.
Rosella Parade in Kingaroy took out the 2021 and 2022 competitions; other previous winning streets have been in Proston and Wondai.
The Santa’s Workshop competition is to encourage businesses to get into the Christmas spirit.
The judges will be looking for child-centred bright and engaging light displays, but entries don’t need to be in town to win.
“The judges will choose one winner from each division. To enter you must complete an entry form and nominate your ABN,” Nicola said.
“Community organisations, schools and anyone with an active ABN can enter.
And for the first time, this year individual house displays, ie. “Christmas Cottages”, will also be able to enter.
“We look forward to seeing what you can dream up for us!” Nicola said.
Entries are now open and will close at 4:30pm on Friday, November 24.
Entry forms are available at council offices or online.
Judging will take place from Friday, December 1, to Sunday, December 10.
All entries will be featured in the South Burnett Santa Claus Lane Christmas Lights map which will be posted on Council’s website.
“We look forward to seeing what entries we receive and brightening the lives of children in the South Burnett,” Mark said.
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A separate Christmas Lights competition is being organised by a community committee and promoted by the Murgon Business and Development Association and the Murgon Show Society in conjunction with the town’s upcoming Bush Christmas celebrations.
The “4605” competition has three categories: Murgon Business Houses, Murgon Town Residences and Murgon Rural.
Entries close on December 1.
Prize money of $300, $200 and $100 has been donated by local resident Col Pearen and will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd placegetters in each category.
The Murgon Bush Christmas event will be held at Murgon Showgrounds from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, December 8.
There will be food trucks, stalls, canteen and Santa will be coming!
Twenty-two community groups will also be decorating live Christmas trees which will be auctioned on the night.
The entry form can be downloaded here (221kb PDF)
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Cherbourg Council is also running its own Christmas Lights competition to encourage residents to get into the Christmas spirit and light up their houses.
There is prize money on offer: $1000, $700, $500 and $300 for first to fourth prizes.
Judging will take place on December 19 and winners will be announced the following day.
Cherbourg residents wanting to enter should contact Edwina Stewart or Wawida Collins on (07) 4168-1866.
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