The Tucker family's ever-impressive light display once again outshone all others, with their Hassell Street display taking out the 2019 Moree Christmas Light Competition.
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Wayne and Michelle Tucker were announced as the winners of the 2019 competition via the Moree Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Facebook page last week and on Friday, January 17, Wayne was presented with the $200 Love Local Moree gift card for first prize.
It's the third time the Tuckers have won the competition in the four years it has been running. Last year they placed second to the Benge family but they came first in 2017 and 2016.
The Tuckers have been putting up Christmas lights for about 30 years now and Wayne said he has no plans to stop in the near future.
In fact, he's already started planning his display for this year, and is also thinking of doing a Halloween display in October.
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"I just enjoy doing it," he said.
"The kids seem to get a thrill out of it."
Youngster Ty O'Brien's creative display in Barwon Avenue, featuring a big blow-up Santa, came second in this year's competition, scoring him a $150 Love Local gift card which he plans to spend on fishing gear.
Ty said he was "surprised" to come second, having only been the fourth display he's put up and the second time entering the competition.
He dressed up as Santa Claus for a few nights and handed out candy canes to passers-by.
"It's just fun," Ty said.
Meanwhile Tracey and Richard Wells placed third for the second year running with their beautiful display at Gwydirville, winning a $50 Love Local gift card.
The Wells' have been putting up Christmas lights for as long as the Tuckers.
Tracey said she loves doing it for the kids and grandkids, however she joked after receiving her last power bill she might not do it this year.
This is the fourth year that the Moree Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Facebook group has hosted the town Christmas light competition, sponsored by Moree Plains Shire Council.
There were officially 11 entries in this year's competition with a total of 1223 votes being cast by the Moree community, which is significantly higher than last year.
"Every year it's growing in votes," Moree Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Facebook group administrator Tanya Fitch said.
Ms Fitch thanked all those who took the time to enter and vote in the competition.
The other entrants who deserve a mention for their time and efforts are the Hamilton-Forbes family, Josh Shone, Lyn Zillman, the Yeatman family, Dianne Chappell, Wendy Murray, Dallas Brazel and Megan Miller, and the West family.
"It is wonderful to see the efforts and the stunning light displays that locals put up during the festive season," Ms Fitch said.
"I know it was hectic and stressful for many especially with some regular dust storms occurring over Christmas period.
"The feedback I have had from people who entered and voted has been outstanding.
"I would also like to thank Moree Plains Shire Council for their ongoing support and prize donations for the annual competition.
"Hopefully next year we will have more entries to help celebrate the spirit of Christmas and showcase the extraordinary efforts people go to with their displays."
Moree Plains Shire Council's Jacqui Moore also thanked everyone who took the time and effort to put up a display this year.
"I did it once and I do appreciate that it's a very big job and gives the energy bills a bit of a rise," she said.
