mmg.com.au

The streets of Echuca-Moama will be glowing with lights as part of the annual Christmas lights competition.

Run by Campaspe and Murray shires and Riverine Herald, the competition aims to find the best Christmas lights in the region.

A map of some of the houses which have been decorated can be found on page 22 in today’s edition.

Ange Upton, who has won the competition four years in a row, said decorating her house had become an addiction.

She changes her display each year, racking her brain to come up with new and more creative ideas.

She makes parts of her display by hand and puts an enormous amount of time, money and effort into making sure everything is just right.

‘‘Everything’s got to be straight and make sense, it’s got to tell a story.’’

For those new to the Christmas lights game, Ms Upton recommended scouring EBay for lights.

She said a lot could be done with just fairy lights and cable ties.

Over the years, (this is the ninth year she has decorated her house), Ms Upton has collected a small following of devoted Christmas lights-watchers.

‘‘They (kids) absolutely love my moving reindeer,’’ she said.

The house with the most reader votes for being best decorated will win $350, with $250 for the second best decorated house and $100 for third place.

A lucky voter, chosen randomly, will win $100.

Votes have to be in by December 28 and winners will be announced on December 31.

Anyone with photos of decorated houses is encouraged to send them to editorial@riverineherald.com.au