DUBOISTOWN -- A holiday tradition in Lycoming County is still going strong even after one of its pioneers passed away over the summer.
For more than 50 years, Candy Cane Lane in Duboistown has been a glowing celebration of the holiday season. This will be the first year, however, without one of the driving forces behind the festive tradition: Paul Fullmer.
Candy canes and toy soldiers line both sides of Summer Street in Duboistown. They are some of the fixtures on Candy Cane Lane.
The neighborhood has gone all out for the Christmas season since the 1950s but this year, there is something, or rather someone, missing.
"They could probably take the whole hill we wouldn't care," said Paul Fullmer back in 2009, speaking to Newswatch 16 after someone stole baby Jesus from the nativity scene. Fullmer and his family started Candy Cane Lane all those years ago. In June, Fullmer passed away at 87.
"He loved it. This is our first Christmas without him, and it's hard. But his house is decorated. No one living there, but it's decorated, and he's here in spirit," said sister-in-law Shirley Fullmer.
Paul Fullmer wasn't just a neighbor, he was family to Shirley and Donnie Fullmer. Candy Cane Lane got its start at a family picnic a half century ago.
Donnie remembers his brother taking joy in this time of year and the lane they all dreamed up.
"He really got into it, kept us going," said Donnie Fullmer.
Paul Fullmer's life stretched far beyond just Candy Cane Lane here in Duboistown. He served in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He then ran the scoreboard at football games for 60 years until he passed away in June.
"Paul was wonderful, really wonderful guy, we miss him," said neighbor Mary Lee Eck.
So for neighbors and family alike, Candy Cane Lane will remind them of Paul Fullmer, each and every Christmas season.
"Keep it going, remember him, people enjoy it and think of him, that's the main thing," said Donnie Fullmer.
Folks who live on Candy Cane Lane in Duboistown said it's grown every year and attracts lots of visitors especially at night.
And to think it started with Paul Fullmer and his family and continues with each new neighbor on the block.