After a hard fought contest, Griffith’s most festive houses have been announced.
To celebrate the holidays, houses across Griffith have been have been lit up to showcase the town’s Christmas spirit as part of the Festival of Lights.
Houses and streets were nominated across three categories: Harvey Norman's Peoples Choice, Griffith Real Estate Street Party Award and Mayor's Choice Award.
Roy Marando’s sparkling display at 43 Holmes Crescent took out the People’s Choice trophy for the second year in a row and Wood road was crowned Griffith’s most festive street.
The beautiful sight at 5 Murphy Crescent came second in the people's choice category.
Mayor John Dal Broi will announce his pick for Mayor’s Choice later in the week.
Roy Marando’s spectacular display has people travelling from across town to catch a glimpse.
736 sets of lights, 200,832 individual bulbs and 607 trees make up the impressive sight.
“I love seeing everyone come every year and see how much it’s improved. Their jaws just drop to the floor,” he said.
Each year he has a donation box. Whatever money is leftover after costs is donated to the Children’s ward at the Griffith Base Hospital.
He says he’s had around 500 people pass through each weekend. This year’s decorations have special significance.
“This year’s lights are dedicated for my friend’s mother. Her mother lost her life in the Manchester bombings earlier this year. The lights are for her.”
A special guest will even make an appearance on Christmas Eve.
“Santa is coming to visit on Christmas Eve from 7pm onward. We’ll have a few prizes and surprises to hand out.”
As a reward for their hard work Wood Road residents are invited to attend a street party, courtesy of Griffith Real Estate.
Griffith Real Estate’s Emily Keenan said Wood Road looked fantastic.
“It’s amazing to walk down Wood Road and see so many houses with their displays. It’s been absolutely fantastic to see all of the streets lit up.”
“There’s going to be something for everyone. We’ll have BBQ, refreshments and a bit of a beach party. We’ll also have a jumping castle and a slip’n’slide for the kids.”
The street party will take place on Thursday, December 21 from 5:30pm at Wood Park.
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The Festival of Lights was jointly funded with the Coalition Government providing $18,500 and Griffith City Council $5,000.
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the Festival was being funded under the Building Better Regions Fund, supporting the City of Griffith’s desire to build a sense of community during the festive season.
“The movie night, together with bus tours of Christmas lights across town was a free, three-week festival and is a fantastic community-building project encouraging the inclusion of all cultures and socio-economic backgrounds,” Ms Ley said.
