It’s a full-time job in the holidays, it’s almost outgrown two garage-sized sheds, and it’s an annual must-visit for residents. Welcome to the extravagant Christmas light display the children here call ‘Disneyland’.
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It’s been a labour of love of 10 years for Nancy and Bruce Hook, who have poured thousands of dollars and countless hours into creating the seasonal spectacular at 6 Orion Street.
The handmade display is so impressive, the Hooks have had an offer to purchase the entire collection from an out-of-towner, and tourists from as far as Japan have visited.
“At the rate it’s growing, it will take over next door and next door...” Mrs Hook said jokingly, although Mr Hook admitted the illuminated ferris wheel, merry-go-round and festive characters really had almost outgrown their storage.
The over-sized Santa sleigh and adjoining reindeer took Mr Hook six months and $3000 to make, and while most of the lights are powered by solar today, to begin with it all ran on electricity from the house. “[Our electricity bill] went up there,” Mr Hook said, pointing skywards.
Yet, it’s all worth it for “the joy of making it and the joy for the people that come to see it,” the Hooks said.
