'Spectacular' display wins camp's Christmas contest

The winning site in the inaugural Millers Flat Holiday Park light-up-your-site contest. PHOTOS:...
The winning site in the inaugural Millers Flat Holiday Park light-up-your-site contest. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Food, togs and Christmas lights — the packing list for visitors to the Millers Flat Holiday Park had a slightly different addition this year with the advent of a light-up-your-site contest.

Park owner Wanda Whipps said she "absolutely loved" Christmas and went all out to share the joy with guests.

Most of the park’s 65 sites joined in the competition. One group didn’t know about it until they arrived but went off and bought lights to enter.

The winner, chosen by popular vote, was Jodie Whipps. She was her daughter but no nepotism was involved, Mrs Whipps stressed.

"[Husband and dad] Daryl and I didn’t even put in a vote."

Voting slips were given to everyone when they registered at the park. People living in the village were also invited to visit and cast their votes, she said.

The winner of the competition, Jodie Whipps, is delighted with her prize of a hamper of festive...
The winner of the competition, Jodie Whipps, is delighted with her prize of a hamper of festive treats. Ms Whipps was the clear winner when the votes were counted on New Year’s Eve.
A tally-up yesterday morning had Ms Whipps a clear winner but there was little between the next three place-getters.

The winning display was spectacular, Mrs Whipps said.

"You can see it from Google Earth."

As well as hanging lights at the front of the park and in the office and camp shop, Mrs Whipps also hid painted Santa stones around the park.

Children could exchange them at the office for chocolate. The stones were then hidden again to keep the fun going, she said.