Portland Tidy Towns is planning a big program in the lead up to the Christmas season. Spokesman Scott Russell said this week that the intention was to promote community events that could be enjoyed by all residents. Literally the ‘brightest’ feature of the program will be the Christmas Lights Competition. Portland in past years has had some spectacular festive lighting displays on private homes that have attracted large numbers of visitors, including organised bus tours.
Entry conditions are simple; just turn on your lights on the night of Saturday December 15 when the guest judge will be out and about. There will be prizes for the first three placegetters to be announced the following day at the huge Christmas Market Day. There will be the usual Market Day on Sunday December 2 but the special pre Christmas day will be December 16. On that occasion Santa Claus will be present and there will be face painting and free lollies for the youngsters.
The chocolate wheel will begin spinning at midday with prizes including hams, turkeys and chickens.