Visitors to Blaxland's much-loved Robertswood Avenue Christmas lights display contributed a record amount to the event's "wishing well" which raises funds for Mt Riverview Rural Fire Brigade.
The display began with just a few fairy lights around Leon and Bev Carter's home in 2000 and has grown ever since, with neighbours Ben and Christina Garvan also adding to the spectacle recently.
The Carters and Garvans attended Mt Riverview Rural Fire Station recently to hand over the proceeds, more than $8000, which will be used for equipment purchases and upgrades.
Mt Riverview Rural Fire Brigade Captain, Andrew Fleming, thanked the couples and all donors for their generosity.
"We are very fortunate to live and volunteer in such a generous and supportive community," he said. "Leon and Bev Carter ground themselves at home each evening for the month before Christmas to stage the lights display.
"It is one of the brigade's highlights of the year because the lights give our members the opportunity to mix with local residents and discuss bush fire safety on a one-on-one basis. That was particularly important at the recent event."
The expressions on the children's faces and their delight with the display are what motivate the Carters and the Garvans to continue what has become a local tradition.
Some adults who first visited when they were children now return to show the display to their own small children.
