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Albany wins as homes glow with the Christmas spirit

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Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser
Lorraine and Jeremy Stevenson are the winners of the 2019 Albany Christmas Lights Competition.
Camera IconLorraine and Jeremy Stevenson are the winners of the 2019 Albany Christmas Lights Competition. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

With just three points separating the top three entries, the 2019 Albany Christmas Lights Competition was a nailbiter.

But in the end, it was commitment to a good cause that ensured Lorraine and Jeremy Stevenson’s display was crowned the best in town.

The entries were judged across three categories — originality, effort and appearance.

A glowing wreath at the Stevenson home on Mueller Street.
Camera IconA glowing wreath at the Stevenson home on Mueller Street. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

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With thousands of lights, flashing signs, a sky-high Christmas tree and enough glittering reindeer to pull a sleigh, their home on Mueller Street in Gledhow pulls a crowd like no other in Albany.

Their efforts have also boosted community spirit in another way, raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis WA.

You’ll find them outside shaking tins in honour of their three-year-old granddaughter Amelia Kim, who has CF.

One of many reindeer greeting visitors in Gledhow.
Camera IconOne of many reindeer greeting visitors in Gledhow. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

Mr Stevenson estimates that up to 250 cars have driven past each night to look at their home.

“We have had support from Southern Site Hire, who donated the traffic calming signs, which has been important because it has been so busy,” he said.

“And Barrett’s Tree Services, who gave us two cherry pickers to get the lights up.

The Stevensons are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis WA.
Camera IconThe Stevensons are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis WA. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

“The Albany community have been amazing in donating to cystic fibrosis.

“It has been a delight and it is wonderful to see the children get out and play with the reindeer.

“Everyone has been so complimentary and happy.”

Ernesto Fuentebella put a lot of love into his Christmas lights display.
Camera IconErnesto Fuentebella put a lot of love into his Christmas lights display. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

The Stevensons edged out the Fuentebellas from Parker Street in Lockyer, who were runners-up with their brilliant audio-visual display.

Erell Feuntebella nominated her parents, Elsie and Ernesto, because they had worked so hard on their lights.

They have been doing it for the past five years, making sure to try something different every time.

Reindeer outside the Fuentebella home on Parker Street.
Camera IconReindeer outside the Fuentebella home on Parker Street. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

No other entry imparted such a strong and heartwarming sense of Christmas spirit.

“We have never known which competitions to enter until we saw this in the paper and I thought it would be good to motivate him further for next year,” Ms Fuentebella said.

“My mum was the director and told dad where everything should go.”

The Fuentebella's light display in Lockyer was full of festive details.
Camera IconThe Fuentebella's light display in Lockyer was full of festive details. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson

“For the first week we handed out lollies and candy canes and played music.”

As overall winners, the Stevensons receive a hamper worth $200, and more importantly, an official winner’s certificate.

The competition was a partnership between the Advertiser and the City of Albany.

THE FINAL THREE

1) 137 Mueller Street, Gledhow — 24 points

2) 50 Parker Street, Lockyer — 23 points

3) 8 Hall Rise, Yakamia — 22 points

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