Where: The area around 95th Avenue saw the initiation of the informal festival of lights in the sixties, and as the years progressed, YEG Candy Cane Lane soon spread north and south along 148th Street. YEG Candy Cane Lane is currently situated on 148 Street between 99 Avenue to 92 Avenue. Though during the holiday season, the over-the-top decorations and sparkling lights act as a Christmas beacon, and the Lane is instantly recognizable.

When: YEG Candy Cane Lane first came to the attention of Edmontonians in the late 1960s, with a small group of families who, without fail, decorated their cozy post-war bungalows with a myriad of holiday decorations. During this era, hand painted wood decorations were all the rage, and many suggest it's what brought YEG Candy Cane Lane to its prominence. YEG Candy Cane Lane officially opens December 11th and runs from sunset to midnight until January 1st.

Why: Beyond the fantastical decorations and a heaping dose of holiday spirit, YEG Candy Cane Lane serves as an example of dedication, fortitude, and imagination. In addition to being the second largest contributor to the Edmonton Food Bank, YEG Candy Cane Lane also serves as the unofficial icon for togetherness. The whole neighborhood faithfully participates, despite differing creed or age. What's more, the value in YEG Candy Cane Lane is so deeply entrenched in the neighborhood, that many families leave their decorations when they move to ensure the continuity of the Lane.

How: At its core, YEG Candy Cane Lane is made possible by the incredible power of residents and volunteers who selflessly arrange the unending details. When it comes to orchestrating one of Edmonton's highlights of the holiday season, the overwhelming response and support of local businesses and volunteers, both local and remote, underscores the civic value placed on YEG Candy Cane Lane. It not only serves as a source of pure joy for all who pass by, but also a welcomed oasis for the less fortunate and those with health challenges, including children being treated at the Stollery Children's Hospital, patients from the Cross Cancer Institute, and countless other retirement homes and extended care facilities.

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The magic that is YEG Candy Cane Lane certainly needs little introduction. As an important part of Edmonton's holiday season, the hallowed lane lights up the hearts of all who pass through. The ability to bring together the neighbourhood and the city despite the often bitter cold and the jam-packed bustle of the holiday season, is a true testament to the value of some major imagination, a lot of gumption and most of all, heart.

Though we'd like to believe that Santa's elves work all night to bring us YEG Candy Cane Lane (YEG CCL), it's the diversely talented residents who work tirelessly throughout the year planning every aspect of YEG CCL to ensure it goes off without a hitch. In particular, a small group of residents, namely: Duane Hunter, Shawn Loeffler, Gino Ripoli, Matt Oldham, Andy Kay, and Dave Straub selflessly coordinate the countless details, without recognition. They're a remarkable team because their only concern is the greater good, and none are looking for praise. Instead, they find their satisfaction in the city's enormous enjoyment of YEG CCL.

The genesis of YEG CCL lies in the increased popularity of hand painted wood cutouts during the late 1960s. As more families joined in on decorating their homes, what would one day be known as YEG Candy Cane Lane grew in popularity, and with it saw the donation of massive amounts of non-perishable food items. This early collection of food initiated a decades-long relationship with the Edmonton Food Bank, which makes YEG Candy Cane Lane one of the biggest contributors to the local charity. Last year, YEG CCL donated 12 trucks stacked full of food for the less fortunate members of our city; a remarkable achievement by no stretch of the imagination.

Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of YEG CCL is the fact that despite religion or beliefs, residents of the area all join in. YEG CCL is less about a denominational holiday, and more about bringing together families, friends and tour groups from hospitals and retirement homes to enjoy the majestic lights and decorative displays.

One could liken the execution of YEG Candy Cane Lane to that of a duck; calmly and elegantly sailing onwards on the surface, but furiously paddling away underneath. In addition to the countless volunteers who assist residents in decorating their homes, the coordinators note the exceptional contributions of all supporters of YEG CCL, who, like the coordinators aren't interested in recognition. They are simply interested in supporting the cause, for which the YEG CCL team are eternally grateful for.

As YEG CCL has successively increased in size and popularity, what was a little cottage industry production has now become a full-scale festival. Partnering with Winter City Festival Group has enabled YEG CCL to provide warming shelters and a host of other attractions including bonfires and sleigh rides sure to delight all who attend. As mentioned, the team and residents who work so hard to bring us the enchantment of YEG Candy Cane Lane are not interested in recognition, but their unending efforts serve as a testament of the remarkable power of community.

Pascoe, Alaina. "Candy Cane Lane: Making Magic for 50 Years" Neighbours of Glenora Nov. 2018: 10-11. Print