Awards presented for Murray Bridge's best Christmas light displays

From a cosy festive scene to a spectacular digital light show synchronised to radio, these are the winners for 2020.

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The best Christmas light displays in Murray Bridge have been recognised with annual prizes handed out by the city’s council.

At a morning tea on Thursday, awards were presented to:

• Jiron Blacket, of Garden Crescent, for the highest overall score

• Brayden Heineke, of Swan Road, Riverglades for the best large display

• Jill Nelson, of Oxford Street, for the best small display

• Katrina and Grant Koidos, of Eleanor Terrace, for the best traditional display

• Smart Alec Lights, on Finch Road, for the best business display

Brayden Heinicke and Tori Noll, of Swan Road, celebrate the last Christmas before their upcoming wedding. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge.

A judging panel of two councillors, two council staff members and community advisory panel chair Don Watts did the rounds during the past week, taking a look at around two dozen homes and businesses whose owners had entered.

Deputy Mayor Wayne Thorley thanked all entrants for putting such time and energy into their displays.

“You’ve actually added colour and flair (to 2020),” he said at the presentation.

“It would have been a bit dull and dreary otherwise.”

Jiron Blacket, Jill Nelson and Katrina and Grant Koidos are among the Murray Bridge residents recognised for their Christmas spirit. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

Council chief executive Michael Sedgman wished all present a safe and happy holiday season.

“I’m sure I'll join you all in hoping for a better ‘21 than ‘20,” he said.

Beyond the competition entrants, dozens more families around the Murray Bridge district have gone to great lengths to decorate their front yards in the lead-up to Christmas.

Award-winning business owner Alex Thomson has even created a map of every display submitted by local Facebook users.

• View the Christmas lights map: www.google.com/maps.

• More information: www.facebook.com/groups/MurrayBridgeChristmasLights.

Naturally, CFS captain Mr Blacket’s winning display on Garden Crescent includes a fire truck. Photo: Jiron Blacket.

Jill Nelson’s Oxford Street display. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge.