A much-loved Kelowna tradition is back for another year. Kelowna's Candy Cane Lane is back. For a decade now, people in Kelowna's Springfield neighbourhood have taken Christmas lighting to the next level.
About 70 homes on Collison Road, Gramiak Road and Mary Court combine for a spectacular show of lights that's definitely worth a visit.
This will be the tenth year. While there have been some outside donations, homes in the area have generally built their lighting displays on their own, or with one neighbour helping another.
"We try to make sure everyone gets involved," said John Sharhon, who's been one of the main anchors of Candy Cane Lane from the beginning.
He said when people move to the area, he and others make sure they have what they need. "We make sure they get the lights," he said with a smile.
If it appears that houses are competing to see which can be the best, Sharhon isn't dismissing it.
"There's a friendly competition on Candy Cane Lane," he said. "It's pretty hard to put up the amount of lights and decorations that we put out without someone saying, 'hmm I can do better'."
At this point, almost every house takes part to some degree. "It's heartwarming to see the seniors especially," Sharhon added. "And the effort that they're putting into decorating their houses."
When asked if it's possible to put too many lights on a house, Sharhon replied: "You're asking the wrong person."
The displays take a lot of work but he insists it's well worth it. "The pay-off is what you see," Sharhon said.
A visit to Candy Cane Lane is free, but donations of non-perishable food to the food bank are appreciated.
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