AFTER weeks of bringing a touch of colour and twinkle to the Glenelg Shire, the winners of the 2021 Light Up Glenelg Retail Window and Light Display Competition have been determined.

The competition asked traders throughout the month of December to adorn their premises with Christmas lights and decorations in a bid to win a marketing package with the Portland Observer or Casterton News.

Following the official judging process, A Little Decorum in Portland and Sports and All in Casterton were judged as the top displays of the competition for their dazzling combination of lights and creativity.

A Little Decorum owner Linda Carmody said she was proud of the win.

“Feedback about our display from customers has been amazing,” she said.

“Everyone stops in to say how great our windows are.

“I’ve only had the business since September so to get this kind of recognition so early on is great.

“The team did a great job and we’re really happy to walk away with the win but also spread some Christmas cheer.”

Fellow retailers Little Oak in Casterton and Portland’s KnS Precious Products took home second prizes for their shopfront display.

KnS Precious Products business owner Karren Wright said the runner-up prize was the perfect way to end a busy first year in business.

“My sister and I opened our shop front in June of this year amid lockdowns and ongoing restrictions,” she said.

“Since then it’s been super busy which we’re so grateful for.

“We thought entering the competition would just bring a little joy to the community but we’re also very competitive so we’re very happy finishing second.”

Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank thanked all the participating businesses for their creative efforts and for bringing Christmas cheer across the Shire.

“The Retail Window and Light Display Competition is a fun way to kick off the festive season and as usual, there were some beautiful entries on show this year,” she said.

“The judges had a difficult task narrowing down to the two winners in the respective townships.

However, it was the winter wonderland style display at Sports and All and the artistic detail at a Little Decorum that really stood out in the judging process.

“I congratulate our four winners across Portland and Casterton for their winning displays, which brought Christmas spirit to the rest of the community when visiting our retail precincts.

“I encourage community members to take a moment to take a drive, or a stroll, and view the impressive retail displays across the Shire.

“I also take this opportunity to thank the Portland Observer and Casterton News for their collaboration on this initiative, and for supporting local business.”