Minion mania is taking over this Guelph, Ont., neighbourhood this Christmas

What started as a few purchases here and there in 2013 has since evolved into a growing annual tradition.

David Robertson and his family began the inflatable minions setup on their property after the release of the animated comedy Despicable Me 2, which traces the exploits of Gru, played by Steve Carell, a villain who aims to become an internationally renowned master criminal. 

"Canadian Tire had a couple of little ones and then it grew from there," said Robertson. "They kind of multiplied like rabbits."

With an extensive amassed collection, he faced not being able to fit them all on his lawn this year. So Robertson extended an invitation to neighbours, asking them to join in on the festive fun. 

"I knocked on the doors and said, 'You want three minions?' and they all said yes. So it was that easy."

Now, 197 inflatable minions line Wagoners Trail, ranging in size and activity. 

"There's eight more in the garage that aren't up, as well as 50 Halloween, 12 Easter and one Valentine's Day."

Robertson said roughly 85 per cent of the blowups are from the United States because Canada's market is too small for the niche collection. 

Robertson said locals and people from across southern Ontario who travel to Guelph are among those who make a point of seeing the minions. 

"We've had people from Uxbridge, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Brantford and Hamilton. They come from all over." 

Bailey Kennedy, Robertson's neighbour and a new mom, she loves being part of the expanding display. 

"My daughter's 18 months now and she just loved the minions," she said. 

"When Halloween came along, she had to go over and see them twice a day, every day. So when Dave came knocking on the door and asked if we'd like some this year, we had to say yes, of course."

The holiday decorations typically go up the beginning of December and stay up until the first dry day after Christmas.