CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When you mention Candy Cane Lane, it might bring up memories from your childhood, like taking a stroll down the street and checking out some of the best Christmas lights in town.
But over the years, the Schanen Estates neighborhood has become more than just a Christmas season attraction- many believe the Corpus Christi tradition has reached the level of spectacle.
The Christmas light spectacular attracts thousands of visitors out during the month of December, but what is the cost of spreading that annual holiday cheer?
The Bocanegra family is among the stable of Candy Cane Lane neighbors who love what they do- going all out to share a little Christmas joy.
Candy Cane Lane is known for its larger-than-life light shows, live music, and surprise characters. The tradition began as a neighborhood effort to help Corpus Christi residents and visitors celebrate the holidays and make memories. But there is also a sticky side of giving back to the community, one you can only see once the crowd leaves.
As the last families drive out of Candy Cane Lane each night, that is when the cleanup begins.
"Saturday is our biggest night. Sunday, came out and the parking lot was just covered in trash," said Abel Bocanegra Jr., whose family crew patrols the streets to pick up what's left behind.
" I guess before they leave, they clean out their cars."
There is plenty of trash left behind after those busy weekends. It's not unheard of to find a dirty diaper among the array of garbage disposed of by those thousands of eager visitors.
Bocanegra and others take the time to pick it up- every single piece.
Their neighbor, Susan Tackett said she's more than familiar with the sticky side of Candy Cane Lane.
"It's funny to me, someone will say what's your address, do you know Candy Cane Lane, we know exactly where that is at," said Tackett, who has called the neighborhood home for 37 years.
"We have to do a lot of maintenance. Let's face it, people are messy. It would be nice if they were a little better."
She has also seen the Christmas tradition grow into what it is today.
"A lot, people eat and drink while they are walking and throw it wherever, Abel gets in his golf cart."
The cost for Christmas cheer comes out of the Bocanegra family's own pockets, adding up not only in electric bills, but in storage that the family pays for.
Those staple giant candy canes that line the street have to go somewhere for the 11 months they are not in use.
Another hidden cost of the beloved tradition? All of those visitors have to go somewhere when nature calls.
"It's either a guest knocking at your door to use the restroom or Skid-o-Kans, so someone has to pay for the Skid-O-Kans,"
All together, Abel said the cost can climb to thousands of dollars.
"It may sound silly, but close to ten grand."
To help offset some of those expenses, some Candy Cane Lane residents have taken to offering goods and services - for a price.
Visitors can grab a cup of hot coco from a stand in front of the Bocanegra's home for four bucks.
For 10 dollars, folks can journey into their backyard where they have set up a Christmas wonderland called Skipvillage.
"There are a lot of neighbors who hand out stuff for free. There are neighbors who do donations- there are neighbors who sell stuff. A lot of times it goes back."
A recent online post gained attention regarding those selling items in the neighborhood.
"Back in the day it was a free cookie, it was a free hot chocolate for a (small amount) people now you are dealing with thousands, and you just have a line."
Despite the traffic, trash and occasional knocks on the door to use the restroom.
At the end of the day, Bocanegra said the money that comes in helps continue that larger-than-life tradition and that it is worth it despite all the work it takes to keep it going.
"Yeah, we can't stop the people are going to keep coming we love it though. It's Christmas. My mom and dad didn't have the biggest, beautiful Christmas... make sure our kids have one."
"We couldn't do any of this without them being here. They are a great family, all of them, I am lucky to have them as a neighbor," said Susan.