The Cameron family display on Bruce Ave. received the most votes in NanaimoNewsNOW's Light Up The Island context, winning $300 towards their hydro bill. (submitted/

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

light up the island

Dangling Santa Claus among prized pieces in winning light display

Dec 16, 2020 | 5:55 PM

NANAIMO — Whatever the weather on Christmas Eve, countless large holiday light displays will mean Santa should have no trouble finding Nanaimo.

NanaimoNewsNOW’s Light Up The Island contest helped spur on some to go the extra mile with Todd Cameron and his family’s display at 444 Bruce Ave. garnering the most votes to win $300 cash towards their hydro bill.

Cameron said the process of gathering up the dozens of elements which make up his display takes considerable time. His family has collected a massive amount of decorations over the five-plus years they’ve been putting on the display.

“I actually have to have it stored in three different places, here and two other places in town because there’s so much stuff. We also do equal amounts (of decorating) at Halloween as well.”

After setting up on Dec. 1, Cameron and his wife Nicole will tinker with the layout of different snowmen, reindeer and other holiday-themed decorations through the rest of the month.

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Cameron’s pride and joy is a five foot tall figurine dressed in a Santa suit, tangled in lights and dangled from the roof. Cameron acquired it in a garage sale and said around 80 per cent of his decorations are purchased second hand.

“He’s originally from….Rutherford Mall when they had a huge Santa setup, it was one of the dwarfs, this little bearded figure. It just happened to end up in someone’s basement.”

Coincidently the figure was made by a local artist friend of Cameron’s, Dale Schulz.

Cameron said neighbours seem to enjoy the display, even joining in with decorations of their own.

“Everyone has been really gung-ho happy, they’ll stop and bring the kids by. We’ll stop and talk to people, this year at a distance. I’ve noticed over the last couple of years there’s been a few more lights growing in our little cul-de-sac area here, I think it’s catching on a little bit.”

NanaimoNewsNOW’s interactive holiday lights map, featuring dozens of light displays across the mid-Island is available by clicking here.

Contest winners were chosen by open voting over a two week period.

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On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW