The roads were snowy and slushy Tuesday, but that didn't stop carloads of people from trekking to West Allis.

Holiday traditions don't stop for the weather.

Since 1984, families have journeyed to the 15-block area bounded by Oklahoma and Montana Avenues between 92nd and 96th Streets. That area, known to residents and visitors as "Candy Cane Lane," features nearly 250 homes decorated with festive lights and elaborate holiday displays.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted for the MACC Fund -- Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc. Over the past 22 years, Candy Cane Lane has raised $1.2 million to aid in research and treatment that helps kids with cancer and blood-related disorders through the Midwest Children's Cancer Center, located at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

"It's really a neat thing," John Cary, executive director of the MACC Fund, said of Candy Cane Lane. "For a lot of people, it's the start of the holiday season."

Candy Cane Lane got its start 23 years ago, when a group of neighbors led by Ron Ziolecki got together to decorate their homes in honor of a neighborhood child who had been diagnosed with cancer.

The display began Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 28. The suggested hours are between 6 and 10 p.m., and neighbors pitch in to collect donations and pass out treats to visitors.

"It's a phenomenon, to be honest," Cary said. "The neighbors have done a great job decorating and putting up with all the people.

"We're fortunate enough to have different events and people out there. Weather permitting, they'll have the ice sculpture contest again on Saturday. That's always a great event."

Among the special events slated for the next two weeks:

Tonight -- Featured guests include Jane, Kidd and producer Tony from 99.1 WMYX's "Jane and Kidd in the Morning," who will be on hand from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday -- West Allis Mayor Jeanette Bell helps ring in the holidays from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Friday -- The Annual Mascot Night features visit from local team mascots and maybe a few racing sausages.

Saturday -- Artists will carve blocks of ice into art beginning at 10 a.m. Also, Old Wisconsin Sausage will distribute treats and donate 10 percent of sales to Candy Cane Lane.

Sunday -- Members of the new Milwaukee Bonecrushers indoor football team visit from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Monday -- The Diamond Dancers, who perform at Brewers games, will visit.

Dec. 19 -- WOKY radio personalities Gregory Jon, Meg McKenzie, Robb Edwards and Parker Drew visit from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 -- The morning team of Matthew Blades, Erin Austin and A.J. from WKTI will visit from 5-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 -- Greenfield Middle School choir members and their families will sing carols from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 -- Members of the West Allis Fire Dept. will bring fire trucks, ladder company vehicles and paramedic units.