The Central App Light Up Central competition winners received their prizes yesterday; and three local families were thrilled to win.

There were a record number of entrants and votes in both the home and business categories this festive season, the second year of the competition. 

More than 6,600 readers viewed the 30 residential entries online and feedback from locals was that the competition created “awesome vibes and energy” around Christmas in Central neighbourhoods. 

First place, taking away $1,000 Central Interiors voucher was Alexandra’s Tracey Washington who decorated her 10 Juniper Close house with solar lights, blow up features, candy canes, flags, Santas and more.

Tracey said Trevor was a real “Christmas freak” and his decorating was not confined to their house as he also decorated his office at Fulton Hogan with lights.

“I just entered us and did the form, he did all the rest… and it takes three full days to get it all set up.”

Trevor said his collection of lights and decorations was ever expanding and fun banter and healthy competition with neighbours was a part of it.

“I’ve got ten big boxes of lights.. I’m building a new garden shed actually, I need more help with storage.”

Tracey and Trevor’s set up at 10 Juniper close, Alexandra. PHOTO: Supplied 

The couple’s extended family from the Gold Coast visited for Christmas.

Ten year old Sophia ended up dishing out hundreds of candy canes at the letterbox right up to midnight one evening, encouraging people to vote for her grandad.

Tracey said winning was fantastic and they’d keep decorating but they wouldn't enter Light Up Central again.

“Next year it will be someone else's turn to win.”

The Washington’s returned to Alexandra in 2024 after living in Australia for a few years, and said the displays across the Tasman were phenomenal. 

They have been putting up Christmas lights for 20 years and hope to see the practice continue to bring cheer to Central. 

Second place winner Jackson Hill (13) with mum Lisa. PHOTO: The Central App

Second place went to the youngest entrant 13 year old Jackson Hill from Clyde. Jackson said he was quite shocked when his mum Lisa told him about the prize, a night’s accommodation and breakfast at The Gate in Cromwell.

Jackson said he did a speech at Clyde School about decorating his house and then he had to follow through and be fully committed to it.

Lisa, a photographer, said she had very little to do with the project, despite being in a creative job.

“His dad drew it and cut it out, then they both painted [Santa, the sleigh and the reindeer].”

The decorations at 104 Hazlett St, Clyde, the Hill family home. PHOTO: Supplied

Lisa said a neighbour from Shields St dropped off blow up dinosaurs for them to use which added to the scene.

Jackson said he wasn't sure about next year's entry although his dad had joked about adding in the Christmas Poo from the cartoon Southpark. 

The Grinch, and a blow up Christmas Tree adorned the front garden at 6 Clutha St. PHOTO: Supplied 

Third place winner was Karen Sinclair, she received a $500 Jamie's Jewellers voucher for her entry at 6 Clutha St. 

Karen said it was awesome to win and she was looking forward to her choosing her prize. 

Together with partner Gav she said it was all about the kids, and getting into the festive spirit.

Their grandaughters, aged 13 and 10 live in Ranfurly and spending Christmas together as a family was special, and decorating both inside and outside their home has been something fun they have always done. 

Gav and Karen Sinclair with the voucher for Jamie's Jewellers. PHOTO: The Central App

Gav, an engineer, is tasked with getting all the lights and characters set up each year, and he also spent a big part of Christmas eve inside a blow up Grinch costume. 

The set up took approximately two and a half days, and then the pack down an entire day as well. 

The pair had a Christmas eve gathering, where a blow up Christmas tree costume Karen had bought was tested out, it accompanied the Grinch and lots of people ended up checking out their display and getting photos taken.

Karen said cars and children were coming by “left, right and centre and scanning the QR code… we ended up on TikTok… I don't know how that happened.”

Business category winner The Courthouse Cafe. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

In the business category it was the Courthouse Cafe in Alexandra which came out on top, taking home an annual membership to Business South.

The cafe’s interior was decked out from top to bottom with Christmas decorations for the whole month of December.

Owner Baz Farrell said it was a big effort but worth it to see the reaction from people.

“For us I suppose doing the decorations, it's a big thing for us, but I love the reaction we get from people - especially for the whole month of December.’’

“It appeals to all age groups, from people bringing kids in, grandkids right through to grandparents. Everyone has a big smile and that's the whole idea,’’ Baz said.

Business South chair Dewald de Beer (left) and Baz. PHOTO: The Central App

The Central App owner Vicki McLean said it was “wonderful’’ to see so many businesses putting effort into creating a festive Christmas spirit’.’

‘’Retailers I've spoken to around Alexandra have had their best December yet, which shows that more people are choosing to shop locally. I think the tradition of driving around to admire decorated windows has played a part in reminding people of the fantastic stores and places our community has to offer,’’ Vicki said.

‘’We will spread this to other areas around Central in 2025. Thanks to all our sponsors who got behind us to make this happen Tall Poppy / Aurora energy / Central Interiors / The Gate / Jamies Jewellers - We couldn't do it without them."

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