Many Valley families have a yearly tradition of walking or driving along Christmas Tree Lane in Fig Garden Village, during the holiday season. While the festive neighborhood inhabitants provide most of the holiday lights, travelers should take time to think about the input of the city and what the Lane would be without the extra sparkle.

The colored lights in the trees and glowing Christmas Tree Lane sign do not turn on themselves nor activate with the cover of darkness. For the past three years, Fresno resident, James Scelzi, has undertaken the responsibility of becoming the famous “Light Man.”

“I love turning on the lights for the lane,” Scelzi said. “It makes me feel important. I always get people coming to me and telling me how cool it is to be able to turn the lights on for such a big ceremony. Also I get little kids looking at me like I have magic powers or something.”

Each year the city designates a walking day, where no cars are permitted on the strip of Van Ness Ave. On Dec. 10, campus students and faculty will be joining the masses walking down the lighted lane.

For more information on Christmas Tree Lane walk, visit the Daily announcements, Christmas Tree Lane illuminates holiday season and Lane lights 85-year tradition.