By Karen Haave
For Jamie Healy and her volunteer back-up crew, Crete Country Christmas 2024 is one to remember.
Administrative Assistant for Crete Park District, Healy and company spent planning the popular event and when it was over, had plenty to be proud of and they loved every minute of it.
“Crete Country Christmas began on December 5, 1987,” she noted.
“It was organized by Nancy Johnson, who operated Ice Cream Village (now Cone Cottage) and was sponsored by the Crete Antique Association. It became part of the Crete Area Chamber of Commerce in the early 2000s–thanks to Michael Liccar, Township Supervisor for that detail.
“It has changed a lot over the years, but the same spirit is there.”
Last weekend’s event, she said, had something for everyone.
“It’s hard to say what the most popular activity was this year, as we don’t take counts for anything, but the Cocoa & Cookie Crawl was well attended, the tent was packed throughout the weekend, and so many people were out and about walking to the different businesses and organizations for their community events.
“The Crete Area Historical Society held a really nice event with a bonfire, the Grinch, and a lot of activities at their museum. The Grinch 5K had over 100 participants, and the brand-new Waiting for Santa PJ Party was very well attended. We also had a lot of people out to see Santa on the two nights of the Crete Santa Sleigh Parade. Several people commented to me, on the route, that that was their favorite part of Crete Country Christmas.
“Moving the Reindog Contest to Evil Horse was a great idea,” she continued.
“There was so much room for all the participants and those who wanted to watch. Evil Horse was a fantastic host! I always love seeing all the adorable pups and I even got to hold the sweetest puppy.”
Healy said it’s hard to choose a favorite, but added, “I have a top 3 – in no particular order: the Waiting for Santa PJ Party was a blast. We danced for hours with kids to DJ Smackdown. Santa even came as a surprise and danced with the kids. It was so fun. The music in the tent was fantastic.
“I really loved Rocks Off on Friday night. They are a Rolling Stones Tribute Band and if you closed your eyes and listened, you’d think Mick Jagger was actually on the stage.
“The Crete Santa Sleigh Parade is always a top favorite of mine. Seeing faces light up when they see Santa never gets old. Older people, younger people, kids, it doesn’t matter, They all go back to the childhood magic of Christmas.
“After our second night of the Crete Santa Sleigh Parade,” she recalled, “a woman came up to us to thank us for doing it because her son, who has special needs, is always unable to attend the Parade of Lights on Saturday night due to mobility, so this is always a highlight for them.”
“I, unfortunately, don’t get to spend much time with my family during this weekend, but I really cherish the moments when I can catch up with them at a community event or watch a few floats go by in the parade with them.”
Healy was quick to praise the many volunteers involved, all working together to make it a success.
“While Crete Country Christmas technically falls under the Crete Area Chamber of Commerce,” she explained, “it is a totally different ‘beast. We have created a subsidiary board/committee for Crete Country Christmas that consists of representatives from the chamber, Village of Crete, Crete Township, Crete Library, and Crete Park District, along with other members at large who are from local businesses, organizations and residents.
“We realized we needed organization because the event is so big and requires so much.
“Every one of us volunteers our time and efforts to Crete Country Christmas,” she emphasized. “A lot of work goes into this event and all decisions are made together. We plan nearly year-round for this, and while we work hard, we have a great time. We know that sometimes people miss things that happened in the past or would like to see other things for the event – we welcome all ideas and suggestions.
“We invite anyone who would like to be a part of this organization to come to our meetings – join a committee (or two!) and volunteer with us. We will begin planning for 2025 in April, so watch our Facebook page @cretecountrychristmas or our IG @cretecountrychristmas_official for meeting announcements (times, dates, location). Save the dates: December 4-9, 2025!
“This event is not possible without the hard work of our public works department, police department, fire department, and Emergency Management Agency, as well as Nick Borrell, who spends a lot of time making videos for the events. Additionally, we are so grateful for our incredible businesses and organizations who participate with fun community events, cocoa & cookie crawl, and/or participating in the parade. What makes this weekend so special is how everyone comes together to create an amazing event that allows so many to form special memories with their loved ones.”
Amy Heim, who oversaw the volunteer list for the weekend and carefully coordinated them, said “This was my first year volunteering with Crete Country Christmas and I had such a great time! I really enjoyed working at the information booth, meeting new people, hearing stories of past Crete Country Christmas weekends, and helping people make new memories. And where else can you meet Santa and the Grinch on the same day?”
Bill Amigel, who coordinated the food vendors, both in the tent and the food trucks, noted “As part of the committee responsible for securing our vast selection of food vendors, I was happy to find that each offered a great quality product. I really think I was their best customer. We offered lobster-based dishes, traditional Mexican fare, pizza, pulled pork and brisket, polish food and finally this year, desserts. And the hot chocolate was definitely flowing! However, the most fun I had was helping out at the Tinseltown Tavern. Working with the great group of volunteer bartenders and interacting with our guests (some who I only see once a year, at this event!) totally got me into the Christmas season. Great family event!”
Volunteer Patty Wiater led the Tent Committee that coordinates everything that has to do with the tent, from rentals, to propane and port-a-potties, to decorating and more.
“My favorite part of Crete Country Christmas is our family tradition of spending the day with my four young nieces and nephews doing the community events,” she said.
“Their favorites this year were the hot dogs, ice cream, and popcorn at Reid & Pederson’s and getting hair tinsel at Belleza Salon. We enjoy something different every year and I am truly impressed with the hard work and expense that our community businesses put into making this a great weekend for everyone.”