A RURAL road located on the outskirts of Mount Gambier has been painted red and white after two of its youngest residents launched a creative Santa display contest.
The Malseed brothers – Fraser, 6 and Jenson, 8 – decided to organise a competition for Johnston Road, OB Flat after reflecting on their own Santa display from last year.
About 16 Santas undertaking a number of activities – including surfing, shark fighting and tractor driving – adorn the properties along the small stretch of road.
The initiative started after the two boys wrote a letter and delivered it to each neighbour.
“We went to all the houses and put the letter in their letter box and told them what we wanted to do,” Jenson and Fraser said.
“There are some pretty cool Santas around the street like the one with the shark and the one going up the hay bails.”
The boys said competition has brought a lot of attention to their small hideaway street, with buses and cars of spectators now driving by regularly.
“That is the best part of the competition,” Jenson said.
“It is drawing attention to the street and people are making their way out to have a look.
“We have even seen a couple of buses go by since they have been up.”
With the assistance of their parents, the brothers have worked hard to make sure the competition runs smoothly.
“We have a trophy that we have made for the winner,” Fraser said.
“It has Santa and a van on some wood that we have painted red to make it more Santa like.
“The winners also get the entry fee money.”
The boys praised their neighbours for participating in the competition and hoped to run the initiative again next year.
“Lots of people around the street talk about it,” Jenson said.
“When there is a new one up everyone talks about that one too.
“Some of the Santas are really cool but there was one that had lost his head, arms and body from the wind,” Fraser said.
“We do want to thank everyone who has helped because it is really good to see everyone having fun.”
