Charlie Halpin
Homes in one east Urbana neighborhood celebrate the holidays along the route known as Candlestick Lane in 2015.
Darrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Encore: The History Of Urbana’s Candlestick Lane

For one east Urbana neighborhood, the Christmas season means more than time with family and exchanging gifts. There’s also a sense of pride up and down the street when it comes to showing off holiday spirit on the front lawn, the porch - and maybe even the roof. Candlestick Lane started in 1963, brought on by a utility company's decorating contest, and is still a local attraction 53 years later.

Some of the homes on Fairlawn Drive in Urbana, part of Candlestick Lane.
Darrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

The History Of Urbana’s Candlestick Lane

Candlestick Lane, a holiday tradition of lights and decorated lawns for 52 years in Urbana, was started after a utility company's decorating contest.  Three of the families who started the tradition in 1963 are still in the neighborhood.  Participating homes on Grant Place, Eastern Drive, and Fairlawn Drive are expected to keep up their displays through New Year's Eve.

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