On Tuesday, May 14, Lance Mikus and Paul Nelson were honored with the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award at the City Council meeting. 

Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins had the pleasure of recognizing Lance and Paul for their commitment to brighten our holiday cheer through their creation and continued development of San Marcos Candy Cane Lane, an annual holiday tradition occurring the first Friday of December through December 25. 

Lance and Paul sparked something truly special when they came up with the idea for San Marcos Candy Cane Lane back in 2020. Their goal was simple, to bring joy to their kids during a time when most were stuck indoors. Little did they know their small gesture would grow into a beloved tradition for the entire community that brought happiness. The endless smiles and laughter from their neighbors that Lance and Paul witnessed, inspired them to keep expanding and improving the experience year after year. 

“The creation of San Marcos Candy Cane Lane is a prime example of our “Spirit of Service.” Every holiday season, Lance and Paul are giving back to not only our San Marcos community, but also to many others who come here to enjoy the growing holiday display,” said Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins. “The smiles on the faces of our children as well as adults, fuel their effort to make the experience better every year.” 

“Though the holidays may look different for every family, Lance and Paul make it a priority to bring the residents of San Marcos together to strengthen our community bond,” continued Jenkins.

With more than 3,900 candy canes surrounding San Marcos Candy Cane Lane, delicious hot chocolate, bubble snow showers, holiday music coordinated to a beautiful light show and holiday inflatables, Lance and Paul cherish the smiles and happiness the festivities bring to families across San Marcos. 

They shared that San Marcos Candy Cane Lane has encouraged neighbors to “put the fences down” and build more connections and relationships with one another. A “little slice of heaven” is how residents of San Marcos describe the San Marcos Candy Cane Lane experience.

Since its first year in 2020, the number of homes that participate in San Marcos Candy Cane Lane has increased from three to 25. In fact, San Marcos Candy Cane Lane has grown so much that it caught the attention of Google Maps and is now a permanent feature on the map. To learn more about San Marcos Candy Cane Lane, visit their Facebook page.

“I appreciate the tireless work both Lance and Paul have put into San Marcos Candy Cane Lane each year to create something magical for our community. It is fun festivities like this that inspire stronger community relationships and greater appreciation for one another,” emphasized Jenkins. 

As San Marcos Candy Cane Lane grew, the complex electrical aspect of the light show production sparked Lance to start his own business called Plug Shields which offers materials to protect the use of numerous outdoor extension cords and holiday lights. 

The City of San Marcos was happy to support Lance through the process of acquiring a business permit and company startup. Lance appreciates the City’s “can do” mindset when it comes to partnering with new entrepreneurs and small business owners.

About the San Marcos City Council’s Civic SMILE Award 

There are often community members who rise to the top – clearly reflecting this San Marcos ‘Spirit of Service.’ That’s why San Marcos City Council members initiated the Civic SMILE Award recognition program in March 2021.  

Five times each year, a community member is chosen by a specific City Council member to receive recognition and will be presented with a San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award during a City Council meeting. 

For more information about the recognition program: San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.