The Johnson family celebrates their third year of Weipa Town Authority Christmas Lights Competition success as they show off their winning display. Photo: Supplied.
Spending weeks putting up extravagant Christmas lights might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but you have to admit there is nothing quite as magical as driving past a beautifully illuminated house in December.
Bringing the magic to western Cape York Mahogany Avenue were Penelope and Lachlan Johnson, whose dazzling display secured them the People’s Choice Award in this year’s Weipa Town Authority Christmas Lights Competition last Thursday.
The competition celebrates the town’s best light displays in three categories – Most Festive Display, Most Creative Display and People’s Choice Award.
Ms Johnson, who has participated every year, said it was a big effort, but the joy it brought to the community made it all worth it.
“I love the lights, but I do it for the kids; when you hear the kids gasp with excitement when they see the lights, it’s really special,” she said.
“I started putting them up at the start of November, so I made sure I had them finished and up by the first of December so I could turn them on.
This year was the Johnsons’ third win across different categories, with the pair awarded Most Creative Display in two previous competitions.
“People’s Choice is the town’s vote, so it’s definitely a different feeling to not just have the judge’s kudos,” Ms Johnson said.
“It really makes all the effort worthwhile when the community love it.”
