With several decorated houses scattered around Columbia County to present holiday jolliness, one family’s festive abode stood out and was voted the winner of this year’s Christmas Light Fight competition on Wednesday night, Dec. 20.
At 4512 Coldwater St., the Flugan residence’s extravagant decor not only featured music and moving lights, but even a screen that displayed video and song lyrics.
Bill Flugan, a father of two, said he typically uses most of the yard decor for Halloween too with some minor changes – adding snowflakes and trees – and the set up takes many hours.
“I can only do it at night, so I typically spend two hours a night, and it takes about three weeks,” he said.
By visiting coldwaterlights.net and tuning into 90.1 FM on their car radio station, visitors could choose songs from a selection of 20 pieces. Songs ranged from classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to new songs like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and two mashups of popular songs.
Flugan said his personal favorite sequence was “Frosty the Snowman” while his eldest daughter enjoyed “Get this Party Started” by P!nk the most.
Motivated to get involved by his inner competitor, Flugan said he hopes families who view the display are filled with a sense of joy.
“I just want the families to have fun, especially the parents because they have to also stay and watch it with their kids,” he said.
For winning first place, the Flugans were awarded with a gift basket that included a weather radio and halo from Columbia County Emergency Management Agency, two tickets to the percussive concert “STOMP” from the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, as well as gift cards and certificates from various local businesses including: Top Golf, Sparkle Express, Rooted Coffeehouse, Southern Willow, Frog Hollow, T Bonz, Nothing Bundt Cake and more.
The runner up families, the Houks at 910 Windmill Lane and the Dukes at 520 Jutland Way, also received gift cards for participating in the competition and placing in the top three.
Columbia County will also be placing a “Christmas Light Fight 2023 Winner” sign in the Flugan yard to display their success in the holiday competition.
To find out more about the County’s 2023 Christmas Light Fight and view a map of all participating houses, visit: https://christmas-in-columbia-county-columbiagagis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/christmas-light-tour.
