Council's new Christmas business competition to create festive atmosphere across the city

Whether it’s a winter wonderland or maybe some snow white boomers, Wagga Wagga City Council is calling on local businesses to get into the Christmas spirit.

A new Christmas store display competition with $8000 in cash prizes will kick off this December in the hopes festive cheer will flow through the CBD and other shopping precincts and encourage people to shop locally.

Going beyond a traditional window display, the competition calls on businesses to create a sense of Christmas inside the store.

“Christmas is a special time of year, full of festive songs, favourite foods, time with family and friends and long-held traditions,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.

“It’s a unique experience for all ages and we are asking local businesses to bring that joy and excitement into their stores this Christmas.

“Along with creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city, the competition will encourage people to shop locally this December.”

The competition has four categories:

• Best store and window display: $3000
• Festive experience awards (businesses that not only look appealing, but also create the most festive experience for their customers): $2500
• People’s choice award: $1500
• Wagga Christmas award (best display with a local theme): $1000

To enter the competition, a photo of a local business’ store display must be uploaded to Instagram using the hashtag #waggachristmas2018, with the business identified in the post. Entries for judging will close on 16 December at 5pm.

The people’s choice voting will be open until 18 December at 5pm and will go to the store display with the most photos uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag from unique accounts.

The winners will be announced on Thursday, 20 December. For more information and terms and conditions visit the website: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/christmas