Candy Cane Lane homeowners prepare for annual holiday display, fundraiser in West Allis

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Preparation is underway for a decades-long tradition in West Allis.

Homeowners are pulling out their lights and decorations along Candy Cane Lane. This marks the 34th year of the event.

"It just takes on a life of its own," homeowner Pat Wolfe said.

Wolfe helped start the holiday tradition three decades ago.

"It started, my neighbor who lived next door, their young son had cancer and it was very serious," she said.

A few neighbors teamed up with the MACC Fund which raises money for childhood cancer research.

Wolfe said over the years $2.2 million has been raised. Now, around 300 homes take part. 

“It is one of the largest fundraisers for the MACC Fund every year. It’s completely free to go through," MACC senior development officer Colleen Moran said. 

Since it's free, volunteers stand outside of Wolfe's home collecting donations. Although many of Wolfe's neighbors have come and gone through the years, Candy Cane Lane remains a constant. 

“We just like to continue the tradition," she said. 

Candy Cane Lane officially opens on Friday at 6 p.m. More information can be found on the event's website.