By Taylah Eastwell
The shopfronts of Upwey were brought to life during the 2020 festive period, with many local traders competing over who had the most festive shop window.
An Upwey couple decided to pull together a plan to get as many traders as possible to decorate their shop windows for Christmas.
The idea quickly evolved into a healthy competition, with shop owner’s busily planning their creative masterpieces to impress the local residents who came down to shop and dine in the main street.
The town soon became a colourful display of lights, Christmas decorations, Santa’s, snow, barbies, elves, presents and of course, reindeers.
The initiative was made possible with the help of the Upwey Township Group, Project Upwey, Yarra Ranges Council & the Upwey Community Bank.
Community members were able to get involved by voting for their favourite window in the ‘Community Favourite Award’, which was then won by owners Paul & Tania of Cafe Have Ya Bean. Paul and Tania were given $500 and a trophy.
First prize went to Enchanted Pines who also won $500 and a trophy. Second prize went to Ward & Wylie and third prize went to Rogue Bear.
‘Light Up Upwey’ event has been received so well that the community are already discussing ideas for 2021 and beyond.
