Lighting up for Christmas

Kurt Hickling with some of the displays shown at his CHiltern home over Christmas. Picture: BLAIR THOMSON

KURT Hickling admits he was sad to see his family’s annual Christmas lights display packed away for the final time.

But instead of dwelling on the fact the mammoth display will no longer adorn his Chiltern home each year, he’s focusing on the positives.

“To raise $22,000 for the local emergency services in eight years is pretty signifi cant for us and the community of Chiltern too,” he said.

“We’re refl ecting on the achievements and the good things we’ve done over the years rather than the fact that it’s finished.”

Mr Hickling recently took down more than 300,000 lights from his Albert Road home, which this year raised a record $5,100.

It took close to 150 man hours to erect then remove the display, which was viewed by more than 8,000 people during December.

Rising energy costs forced Mr Hickling to abandon the festive display, which started in 2004.

“It’s definitely the last time we’ll do it – we’re not in a position to keep it going,” Mr Hickling said.

“It’s definitely heartbreaking, but it’s the right time to let it go.

“What started as a small idea really grew into a big success and we’re hoping the community will keep it going.”

While many people would find it intrusive to have thousands of strangers show up at their home, Mr Hickling enjoyed the experience.

“I didn’t mind it, being out there meeting strangers and enjoying the Christmas spirit,” he said.

“I was out there every night from start to finish and really enjoyed socialising with the community.

“We had great support from the community and people really got behind us for the event’s final year.

“Without the support of the community we couldn’t have done it and I think it was a great tourism boost to the area.”

Mr Hickling said he had spent thousands of dollars each year buying lights and props for the display, many of which were now crammed into his shed.

“We tried to sell them off but couldn’t get rid of much of it so we’ll try and sell them later in the year or on eBay,” he said.

“If a new idea comes up, we’d definitely be happy to support it.”

By BLAIR THOMSON

Short URL: http://www.awnw.com.au/?p=12039

Posted by admin on Jan 19 2012. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry