The most beloved neighbourhood in Prince George during the holidays is undoubtedly Candy Cane Lane.
The streets near Upland between Wilson Crescent, McKenzie Avenue and Aitken Crescent transform every year into a Christmas wonderland on Dec. 1.
The whimsical Christmas displays and the lights strung between the trees create a magical feeling that makes visiting Candy Cane Lane each year one of the city’s most beloved traditions.
But what is it like to live in one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in the city and how does it come to be every year?
Penny Hacker, who is the volunteer coordinator for Candy Cane Lane, has lived in the neighbourhood for the past 13 years.
“I didn't know myself personally, the ins and outs, what was going on, until I started living here and got asked to become a part of the volunteer group that sets up the lights for the street and the sign,” explained Hacker.
“That is part of the magic that people don't know about. There is a group of eight to 10 volunteers in the neighbourhood.”
She’s since taken on the role of volunteer coordinator from what she calls the OG crew, or the original guys who started the tradition back in 1984.
Almost 40 years ago, one of the neighbours strung lights across to the neighbouring tree and the rest of the neighbourhood thought it was a great idea and so it grew and grew every year.
“Now they're all in their late 70s and 80s and some have passed on and they just wanted to pass the torch on, so they chose my husband and me,” said Hacker.
Wayne Cameron, who is one of the founding members, helped Hacker and her husband organize everything for the past two years, but this year she’s fully taken the lead.
Transforming Candy Cane Lane
Hacker said it used to take them eight to nine hours on a Saturday and Sunday to get everything done, but they’ve now got it down to seven hours on a Saturday.
There is a small community grants program through the City of Prince George which provides roughly $1,000 and that is enough to cover a bucket truck rental, fuel, and lunch for the volunteers.
“My husband is the guy that goes up in the bucket and secures the lights and Wayne Cameron will often drive the truck,” said Hacker.
“Then those of us on the ground go ahead and straighten out the string of lights and make sure there’s no bulbs loose and pass it up.”
Once the sign goes up and the lights are strung from the trees, then it’s up to the neighbours to decorate their houses in anticipation of the annual Candy Cane Lane Light up on December 1.
“It's just super exciting. It's the magic of Christmas seeing the passersby's excitement, the little kids and parents that may have grown up in the area and bring their kids back to continue the tradition,” said Hacker. “It's just really kind of exciting to be a member of the community here.”
Unlike the Griswolds in the holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Hacker said there’s no competition to be the best on the block and everyone is just proud of their displays.
“I know there are some homeowners that don't decorate,” said Hacker, adding that there are some seniors in the neighbourhood in their 90s who prefer not to decorate themselves and just watch the lights and vehicles go by.
Hacker says that is just fine, adding it’s important not to judge why someone on the lane might choose not to decorate, plus there are plenty of neighbours who go all out.
“You’ve got the blow-up ones, you've got the interactive ones. You can go sit in the Santa sleigh — that is always a favourite,” said Hacker.
“If you've been in Prince George for more than one Christmas, you'll notice changes. The yard might still be the same but there might be more characters added or more items or more trees.”
Candy Cane Lane sees thousands of yearly visitors
The popularity of Candy Cane Lane means it draws thousands of visitors to the neighbourhood from Dec. 1 until January 5.
The constant traffic means that those who live on the block often have to give themselves an extra few minutes to leave their driveways.
“So many of us are shift workers in the neighbourhood and we will back into our driveway and just hope for the best that people will actually let you out,” laughed Hacker.
“There’s people walking and kids and lots of seniors with walkers and slow-moving vehicles. But you just have to be patient. Every year we get thousands of vehicles and foot traffic through the neighbourhood.”
Despite those small inconveniences or worrying about getting the lights up on time or having enough volunteers, Hacker says it’s the magic of Christmas that brings everyone together and makes her feel like a kid again.
“There's always so many sad things going on in the world and I think people can look forward to the Candy Cane Lane Christmas lights and it also brings back the world of magic and sparkle in the eye,” said Hacker.
“It's a very exciting time, especially when we have international students coming around. They'll knock on your door and ask ‘Can we take pictures, photos, photos?’ It’s like everybody's a child again. It warms the heart.”
Candy Cane Lane is giving back to those in need
However, it’s not just the spirit of Christmas the neighbourhood is giving to the entire community, but they are also fundraising for those in need.
On Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 Candy Cane Lane partnered with the South Bowl Community Association and Telus to host a warm clothing, non-perishable food, and toy drive at Van Bien Elementary School between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“We are hoping to have hot chocolate and goodies and there will be some draws for prizes so if you bring a donation, you can enter your name to win,” said Hacker.
The UHNBC drummers will also be in attendance on Dec. 3 performing to promote healing, spirituality and reconciliation and the donations collected will be given to St. Vincent de Paul.
Candy Cane Lane, of course, will also be officially lit up for the year on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the UHNBC drummers would be in attendance to ‘entertain the crowd’. The Citizen apologizes for this mistake.
