The snowfall added to the Christmas atmosphere for the Chicago Ridge Holiday Tree Lighting festivities held Sunday evening, Nov. 30.
“It’s a great event every year, especially for the kids. We appreciate all the residents and others who braved the cold to come out for the tree-lighting,” said Mayor Jack Lind. “Hopefully, it is the start of a great holiday season for everyone.”
As usual, the annual event included much more than the official tree-lighting that Lind presided over outside Village Hall about 5 p.m. with the Finley Junior High School band playing traditional holiday tunes.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire engine and spent hours chatting with and handing out small gifts to excited children who lined up with their families to meet them inside Village Hall. Almost as popular was the Grinch, who was downstairs posing with kids with a Whoville backdrop.
Other attractions included rides around the village on a horse-drawn sleigh, an ice-less skating rink, photos with reindeer, and gift-shopping opportunities at a holiday market featuring mainly handmade items, baked goods and hot chocolate.
“We didn’t order the snow but it does make everything look really nice outside,” said Village Clerk Barbara Harrison. While eight inches of snow may have deterred people from coming, those who did seemed to be enjoying the festivities.
“It’s always a great event for families,” said Chicago Ridge firefighter Daniel Tello, who joined his wife Nicki and their children, Brooks, 5, and 5-month-old Kennedy, for photos in a sleigh with reindeer in front of Village Hall.
Burbank residents Roger and Joanna Valdez, with their children, Emma, 9, and Damien, 8, were doing a bit of shopping in the market.
“This was our first time coming and I am glad we did,” said Joanna.
“I am really looking forward to Christmas now,” said Emma.
Chicago Ridge residents Brittney and David McArthur had fun posing with the Grinch with their children, Jade, Nova and David Jr. “It is a nice event we try to come to every year,” said David.
