Lights on for comp

It’s all about community spirit for the Trotts from Yakamia as the 2019 Albany Christmas Lights Competition reaches its final stages.

Nominations for the competition are into the double digits and there are some impressive contenders in the mix.

Entries closed on Friday, with judging to take place this week before the winner is announced in Thursday’s edition of the Advertiser.

On Mears Road, Gill Trott and her family have decorated their home for the fifth year in a row.

She said they get get a buzz from people stopping to look at their display.

“We try to add a bit every year,” she said. “We started when my kids were younger but now my son is 17 and he’s the one that is always out there telling us we need more.

“There are a lot of people in the street doing it this year — both houses either side of us and my mum is doing it too.

“The street behind us has lots too, so people can drive past and do the loop.”

A sign of the community spirit it creates is that a neighbour came over to help the Trotts set up.

She said her neighbours had been egging each other on to get their lights up.

“We were a little late putting ours up this year, so they were stirring us and keeping an eye on our house,” she said.

“It is getting pretty competitive.”

The winner of the 2019 Albany Christmas Lights Competition will receive a hamper worth $200 and an official winner’s certificate.

Entries will be judged on originality, effort and appearance.