Details of a competition designed to encourage Wakatipu businesses and homeowners to "Get into the Spirit" of Christmas are to go out around the district in the next fortnight.
Queenstown businesswoman Alison Thompson of Millbrook wanted to encourage businesses in particular to get a little more festive during the Christmas season and she approached More FM's Jo Blick who in turn contacted Queenstown Lakes District Council's Special Projects Manager Lee Harris.
The trio came up with the "Get into the Spirit" competition idea and flyers about the competition will be circulated around the Wakatipu next week.
"It's exactly what's needed in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Frankton - a bit of effort at Christmas from businesses and homeowners," Ms Thompson said.
Ms Thompson had been very successful in getting prize support from local businesses, including: QLDC, More FM, Millbrook Resort, The Spa at Millbrook, Queenstown Gym, Queenstown Paper Plus, Brazz Bar & Restaurant, Fluid Design, MacAssist, www.GaryAnderson.co.nz, Remarkables Park Mitre 10, 4 Seasons Home & Leisure, Bonz, McKenzie & Willis, Frasers Bar, Element, Stoneridge, Smith City, H & J Smith, NZONE.
A full prize list is available on the flyers, but includes one free car park for a year and an IPOD Mini.
The competition is part of an extra effort by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to deal with a perceived lack of festive spirit in the area. Other plans include stringing up Christmas lights and Chinese lanterns in Arrowtown, installing two steel tree sculptures in Queenstown and holding the annual Christmas Carols concert in both Queenstown and Arrowtown.
"We're doing our best within the budget we have - this competition is about encouraging everyone in the community to jump on in and participate," Ms Harris said.
Businesses and members of the public have until 5pm, Friday, December 2 to return their applications forms (which will be available from QLDC and More FM Queenstown offices) to QLDC. Christmas theming must be in place by 5pm, Monday, December 5.
Judging would take place over the following week and winners will be announced by the Mayor Clive Geddes at the Queenstown Christmas Carols, Queenstown Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 17, starting at 5pm.
