'So much joy': Candy Cane Lane officially opens for 39th season

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A holiday tradition dating back to 1985, Candy Cane Lane has once again been illuminated for the holiday season.

"20 years I've been here. The year I moved in, I started decorating," said Ken Perkl, who lives on 95th Street in West Allis. "All the lights, we have almost 300 houses that light up. It's so much fun."

Celebrating the 39th year of holiday fun, the area between Oklahoma and Montana Avenues, as well as 92nd and 96th Streets, are transformed into a winter wonderland featuring lights and decorations for all to see.

"I love it. There's so much energy and so much and excitement," Perkl said. "So much joy."

At-will donations are accepted on 95th Street between Oklahoma and Manitoba. Candy Cane Lane has raised over $3 million for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund since the tradition started, helping support critical research in the fight against childhood cancer and related blood disorders.

"We are very grateful to everybody that comes out here to make those donations," said Alli Neumann with the MACC Fund. "Every dollar truly does count in the fight against childhood cancer."

Candy Cane Lane is open Nov. 24 through Christmas Day. For more information on times and how to donate, you can visit the Candy Cane Lane website here.