The reason is not entirely clear anymore, but most likely it was with a Seattle Times neighborhood holiday cheer competition.
2. Park Road was nicknamed Candy Cane Lane in the mid-1950s and the name stuck.
3. We like partnering with local groups for even more festive entertainment. The UW Husky marching band and the Roosevelt High School jazz band are regular visitors.
4. Every year, there are
"pedestrian nights” where the street shuts down to cars. There is something magical about strolling a car-free street and seeing and hearing Christmas lights and music.
5. The merry-go-round has 6 different themes. This year's is the first one ever built - Angel Chimes, made in 1961. Inspiration came from angel chime table decorations where candles’ heat makes sparkly angels spin around and ring bells as they go.
6. The merry-go-round was designed and built through the 1960s by an engineer and resident, Bill Rehder. He dreamed of it one night and brought it to life. It continues more or less unchanged.
7. During the year, pieces of the merry-go-round are stored between many houses up and down the street. As Christmas approaches, neighbors spend the better part of 2 days getting it up and running around the giant holly bush.
8. The roundabout has its own claim to fame as the smallest public park in Seattle.
9. At the pretend toy shop in the middle of the hill, you can find an elf holding the "good" list. It includes the names of all the kids who live on Candy Cane Lane.
10. Every house has a 6' metal candy cane made decades ago from pipes found in the houses.
11. Seven, the cafe up the street, is a great community partner with delicious hot chocolate and treats!
12. You can find a red and white sign that reads “peace” in a different language in each person’s yard. These were made after 9/11 and are written in the most commonly spoken languages in King County that year.
13. Thanks to visitors' generosity, several carloads of food have been donated to the University Food Bank for many years. Sometimes people donate cash and the full amount is also given to the Ravenna Pop-up Kitchen.
