IT TRULY was the most wonderful time of the year for one happy couple at the Hervey Bay Boat Club Christmas Lights Wonderland.

When Vicki Mudge and Ron Cruickshank made their way to the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens in December, they expected a night of stunning light displays, community fun and Christmas frivolity.

What Vicki could never have expected was that Ron would take the sparkling opportunity to ask Vicki to be his wife.

While having their photo taken at the Giant Bauble photo booth, Ron proposed to Vicki – starting the next chapter of a love story 50 years in the making.

Vicki said Ron’s surprise proposal felt surreal.

“I was over the moon. There were many tears, then I wanted to tell the world,” Vicki said.

Vicki and Ron met more than 50 years ago, but only reconnected about 12 months ago.

In that time, they have fallen deeply in love, and Vicki said the atmosphere of the Christmas Lights Wonderland made their engagement milestone all the more special.

“It was just such a nice, happy atmosphere to be walking around, hearing kids laughing,” Vicki said.

“The light display was so well set up, and the bright lights of the baubles were just amazing.

“It was a happy place to sit and have a photo taken – and for me, a surprise proposal!”

Christmas lights shine after week of bad weather

Following a week of wash-outs due to heavy rain, the Christmas Lights Wonderland returned for a second year, regrouping to welcome thousands of people through the garden gates.

The newly-introduced street piano and pop-up community choir added a dash of musical magic to the atmosphere.

Special thanks goes to Keith Stevenson, who lent his refurbished piano to the event and played for guests on multiple nights.

Thank you again to all our event sponsors and partners.

Key Sponsors: Hervey Bay Boat Club, Paton’s Electrical Services, Hervey Bay Baptist Church, Bunnings, Community Lifestyles Agency and the Fraser Coast Regional Council.