WEST FRANKFORT - Christmas in West Frankfort just wouldn't be the same without the multi-block stretch of decorated houses, lights and life-size characters that make up the longtime tradition found on Candy Cane Lane.

Founder Tim Murphy knows his unique way of spreading cheer lights up the holiday season for thousands who come down his street.

A heart attack May 24 drove home how very special it was to him, as well.

"I am very excited this year," Murphy said. "I wasn't sure I'd be here after May 24. That one about got me. My heart doctor said, 'We've got to get you well for Candy Cane Lane.' I've had to slow down a little bit this year and rest when I need to, but I'm OK."

Murphy has been choreographing the complex blocks of Christmas decorations for many years. He said each year he adds something new and it reignites his personal excitement about opening night.

This year, Murphy said, Candy Cane Lane and about 25 new additions will be plugged in Thursday to run throughout December, weather and time permitting.

"We have Wall-E, Flintstones, Scooby Doo, Batman, Hannah Montana," Murphy said as he listed other additions, including extra pieces for a Garfield Christmas display and new additions to a Charlie Brown spread of characters.

"I'm really excited about Main Street this year."

Murphy has been not-so-gently nudging the city to get him a Christmas gift for several years. This year, Santa came in the form of Street Commissioner Frank Browning and two new electrical poles on Main Street.

"Candy Cane Lane draws a lot of traffic," Browning said. "He's asked me for two or three years for electricity on that entrance (at Candy Cane Lane and Main Street) and I told him we'd do it and pay for it."

Browning said Murphy needs the poles to extend his lights display to Main Street, further drawing traffic down the illuminated side roads.

"The city put me two electrical poles up there, so I'm really excited about doing some stuff up there that I've never been able to do before," he said. "I've also got a couple of new neighbors that have really done a lot."

Although not everyone is in the spirit to decorate, Murphy often offers to share some of his décor to help keep the lane flowing without any unlit gaps.

"My neighbors let me put some stuff in their yard this year and that neighbor across the street did a really great job of putting stuff up," he said as he pointed to a house adjacent to his own. "I call the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday that I'm off for Thanksgiving my magical days. I get a lot done on these days."

Throughout the month or longer that it takes Murphy to decorate, starting Nov. 7 this year, he spreads more than 100,000 strands of Christmas lights and puts up more than 600 characters.

Candy Cane Lane begins along Main Street and heads south, zigzagging through several city blocks before ending at Murphy's house and adjoining garages and property.

Tall white-and-red striped candy canes mark the way.

As much as passers-by enjoy the lighted display of many easily recognizable characters from Disney, popular movies, bands, and much more, they catch only a glimpse of Murphy's Christmas spirit because few ever get to see his indoor displays.

Christmas decorations, trees, animated displays and the Christmas version of Murphy's all-time favorite cartoon character, Mickey Mouse, can be found around every corner.

With about 3,000 to 5,000 estimated visitors per night, Murphy said Candy Cane Lane is his way of brightening the holidays for others.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com / 351-5824