The Garfield Ridge neighborhood kicked off the Christmas season Dec. 6 with its 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Wentworth Park Ice Rink.
It has become a tradition on the Southwest Side that not only brings the festivities to Clear-Ridge but also offers a time for community residents to come together to celebrate the holidays.
Since its inception almost a decade ago, the Christmas Tree Lighting was originally organized by the Garfield Ridge Entertainment Group but was passed on to the neighborhood watch. Under the guidance and organization of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, the tree lighting has grown and now includes staples such as the kiddy train rides, petting zoo, face painting, Santa’s entrance on the fire engine, and free pictures with Santa. As the years continue, more traditions are tacked onto the tree lighting for community residents to enjoy and create memories.
Al Cacciottolo, president of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, started off the ceremony with introductions and thanked all those who volunteered, sponsored, and supported the night’s festivities. The Tree Lighting would not be possible without the Chicago Park District, Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, volunteers, DJ Tommy, All Exterior Contractor, State Farm’s Mike Readorn, and the support of community leaders.
8th District police were acknowledged for their continued support and security for the tree lighting. Officers patrolled the event on foot, interacted with community residents, and their presence reassured families that everything would be under control, contained, and safe.
Ald. Marty Quinn (13th) offered thanks to the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. The tree lighting was set in his ward.
“Thank you to all for coming today to this great event, which is put on by the park district and neighborhood watch. I just really want to wish everyone a Merry Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Be safe, everybody,” said Alderman Silvana Tabares (23rd).
State Comptroller Susana Menodoza said, “Hi everyone, Merry Christmas. I want to thank the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch for putting this together. I want to thank Alderman Quinn and Alderman Tabares. I know this is the ninth year now the aldermen have been bringing festive, merrymaking, and cheer to the community, and I’m very honored to be invited and join in on that fun tonight.”
After hearing from the politicians, the National Anthem was sung by Julie Partynski. Towards the tail end of her beautiful rendition, she smiled as a five-minute fireworks show began, sponsored by the Southwest Side Room.
Neighbors stood silent in awe, their heads cocked to the sky, as others pulled out their phones to capture the memory. Many of the kids beamed with delight, jumping up and down as the fireworks exploded for the next few minutes.
The conclusion of the firework show was followed by one of the night’s highlights, the lighting of the tree! This year, the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch invited an honorary guest to flip the switch for the tree lighting. As neighbors, community leaders, and volunteers counted down, the tree lights were turned on by Elizabeth French, the mother of fallen police officer Ella French.
“We live in the neighborhood, love to support the local community, and have fun in wintertime,” said Christine Lewis, mother of Adrienne Lewis.
The night was only starting, and the next big announcement was that Santa was coming to the Wentworth Ice Rink to take photos with all the children and families! He made quite the entrance with the help of retired Chicago firefighter Mike Doherty, who brought Santa and Frosty the Snowman in on top of the Fire It Up Now fire engine.
Kids eagerly rushed to line up in front of the parked fire engine, excitedly waving and calling for Santa as he waved, starting to make his entrance into the Ice Rink.
Kindergartener Molly Lewis said, “I loved to go on the train rides and ice skating with all our friends!”
There was much to do for the little ones who enjoyed free skating by the Chicago Park District, pictures with Santa, train rides, pony rides, and hot chocolate. Parents also had the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping by checking out the Kindl Mart vendors selling an array of hand-crafted holiday gifts.
One of the added traditions were the 2025 Trees Sponsorships, which was open to all Southwest Side families, blocks, businesses, schools, churches, and organizations. Some of this year’s participants included St. Daniel the Prophet’s Parent Club, Wentworth Park Hydras, Bobby G’s, Danny’s, European Chalet Banquets, and Credit Union 1.
The 3-foot Christmas Trees were lined up near the Petting Zoo and kiddie train rides. Sponsors showed up earlier that morning to decorate the trees with family, friends, and co-workers. Some of the businesses, like Danny’s Pizza, included a QR code on the tree that, when scanned, gave community members $5 off their next order!
“I grew up here and lived in Garfield Ridge for 59 years. I wanted to support the Garfield Ridge community, and I thought it’d be nice to sponsor the tree. The money goes to a good cause in providing the tree lighting, other neighborhood events, and bringing the community together. This is a great time for family, kids, and neighbors to be together and celebrate the holidays,” said Dr. Joseph Coler of Coler Chiropractic on Archer.
