Hats Off to Barrett Homes – Light Up Your Hat Returns in Style
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Light Up Winter celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, we're delighted to once again have the team at Barrett Homes Central Otago helping bring one of the event’s most loved attractions to life.
The iconic Light Up Your Hat competition has become a much-loved tradition, bringing together creativity, laughter, imagination and a healthy dose of sparkle. Barrett Homes’ support extends far beyond sponsorship, with the local team generously investing their time, energy and resources to help deliver this special part of the event. From planning and organisation through to event-day support, the Barrett Homes team will be on hand helping ensure everything runs smoothly, demonstrating what true community support looks like in action.
It’s a wonderful example of local people and local businesses coming together to support a community event that creates lasting memories for families and visitors alike.
The Light Up Your Hat competition encourages participants of all ages, including a growing corporate category, to unleash their creativity and transform ordinary hats into illuminated masterpieces. Whether it’s dazzling lights, quirky characters, imaginative themes or outright outrageous creations, the parade always delivers plenty of smiles and entertainment for the crowd.
Local Barrett Homes owner Deidre Copeland will once again take on MC duties for the competition. Well known throughout the community for her warmth, generosity and infectious enthusiasm, Dee is the perfect person to help guide participants across the stage, celebrate their creativity and keep the crowd entertained. Her energy, positivity and natural ability to connect with people make her a perfect fit for the role, and she plays an important part in bringing the spirit of the competition to life.
Dee says "The Light Up Your Hat competition captures everything that’s special about our community; creativity, connection, fun and people of all ages getting involved together.
Every year I’m blown away by the imagination and effort people put into their creations. It’s one of those moments that brings pure joy to everyone watching. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, this competition is all about having fun, getting creative and being part of the magic."
As Light Up Winter marks a decade of winter magic in Cromwell, partnerships like this help keep the event vibrant, accessible and community-focused. A huge thank you to Barrett Homes Central Otago and their entire team for their generosity, enthusiasm and commitment to helping make the 10th anniversary celebration one to remember.
So start planning your illuminated masterpiece, gather your lights, and get ready to Light Up Your Hat on Saturday 1st August!
Register your hat today at www.lightupwinter.co.nz
