Samuel hits big six in Best Lit house competition

Long-time veteran in the Best Lit House competition, Jimmy Samuel, added another win to his belt this year.

In 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2019 and now in 2023, the Rillian Hill home has been judged as having the best lights displayed in the country.

A seven-foot snowman was part of the attraction at Jimmy Samuel’s residence

Samuel told SEARCHLIGHT that his family went all-out with the display this year, including a seven-foot snowman, angels and even sheep. He said this year’s display has “much more lights” than previous years.

“I bought some very expensive lights so I can reuse every year. All now we still have lights in the pack to put up, but we say we will leave those out.”

A medical procedure, done on his knee, prevented the 81-year-old from spearheading the display himself so a close friend took on the task.

“We started the second week in November because I had just came back from the States. We worked very hard this year to be truthful. I had surgery on my knee so I couldn’t do much climbing on the ladder.”

Samuel said it takes a tremendous amount of physical and financial resources to participate in the competition. He explained that the cost of the lights and the electricity bills can put a dent in participants’ pockets.

“All my lights work from transformers. The transformer cost me over $3,000 and of course you have to pay the light bill when it comes. But I don’t mind. I do it for the people’s enjoyment and a lot of people appreciate it. Cause if I don’t light up they (residents) going to complain.”

On December 24, 25 and 26, residents of Rillian Hill and surrounding communities flocked to Samuel’s house to take in the lights display and also share in food and drinks.

“We had so many people here I don’t believe it. They all saying that they want to see the house that won. It is really a good feeling.”

Samuel has in the past coordinated a number of donations including medical and back-to-school supplies, for persons in need. He said he considers the lights display as part of his community duty.

Olivia DaSilva from Cane End took second position, third place went to Moketo Stanley of Chauncey, while fourth place was a tie between Carol and Anthony Jardine of Georgetown and Deslyn Daniel of Sandy Bay.