Candy Cane Lane is back

Photo: Facebook

Once again, a whole neighbourhood in Rutland has come together to light up their block, all for a good cause.

For the past six years, dozens of homes on Collison Road, Gramiak Road and Mary Court have gone all out with their Christmas decorations, attracting thousands of visitors through the month of December.

“It totally gives you that sense of community,” says Candy Cane Lane founder Damjan Madjar.

The bulk of participating homes on the block, about 50 to 60, now have their decorations up, and they'll remain in place into the new year.

Over the years, the block has collected non-perishable food items from those who are checking out the festive neighbourhood, and last year, almost 10,000 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Kelowna Women's Shelter, Freedom's Door recovery house and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

Damjan says the idea stemmed from his parents' house and their neighbours, who had a friendly “keeping up with the Joneses” competition with their light displays.

“By year two, people were pretty receptive. We delivered letters by hand ... and there were quite a few people on board,” Damjan said. “It just started growing exponentially. People get excited for it.”

The block will be lit up from about 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. every night.

If you have an over-the-top Christmas lights display you want the world to see, send an email to [email protected] with your address and a picture of your festive home for an upcoming interactive map on Castanet.