Des Plaines to light tree at Dec. 6’s Holiday on the Square
The Des Plaines Special Events Commission invites everyone to Holiday on the Square, the city’s tree-lighting event, Friday afternoon and evening, Dec. 6, in Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines, behind the Des Plaines Theater, between Lee Street and Pearson Avenue.
Enjoy free entertainment and goodies as Des Plaines Mayor Matthew J. Bogusz and local officials welcome the holiday season by pulling a giant switch lighting up the city’s downtown.
Beginning in the afternoon at around 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, local elementary, middle school and high school students will decorate holiday trees, provided by the Des Plaines Optimists, in Metropolitan Square with handmade ornaments.
According to Special Events Commissioner Katie Merkle, who is coordinating the event this year, with the assistance of fellow volunteer commissioners, and city/outside agency staff, Santa will be escorted into Metropolitan Square on a Des Plaines Fire Department engine at about 4:30 p.m. where he will greet the crowd. Everyone is encouraged to bring a camera for that special holiday photo moment, as Maine Township will provide a hay wagon where families can pose with Santa.
“Santa is one of the many highlights of Holiday on the Square. We’ll have lots of fun attractions for families. We want this year’s event to truly celebrate our community and the onset of this very special time of year,” Merkle said.
Adding to the festive atmosphere and thanks to the Salvation Army and Sysco, hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be available. Chestnuts will be roasted by members of the Des Plaines Historical Society and popcorn will be provided by Des Plaines Crime Stoppers.
Free entertainment will be provided by Artistry in Motion, the Des Plaines Park District’s Dance Troupe, the Salvation Army Band, the Maine West High School Choraliers, and the Maine West High School Warrior Band, under the baton of band Director Bernie Gerstmayr. Officiating onstage will be Master of Ceremonies Gene Haring, Des Plaines Park District marketing manager. He will be joined throughout the afternoon and evening by Santa (of course), Bogusz and members of the city council, local dignitaries and Special Events commissioners.
Coinciding with activities in Metro Square, the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, is planning a holiday presentation for all ages to sit back and enjoy. Throughout the afternoon and evening everyone is invited to stop by the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Street, to view a holiday card exhibit featuring the work of local schoolchildren.
The culmination of Holiday on the Square takes place when Bogusz and local officials onstage lead the crowd in a countdown that concludes with the flipping of a giant switch that turns on the holiday lights throughout the downtown.
The Special Events Commission is working on plans to include arts and crafts, a food drive, and possibly a visit by some very special four legged friends from the North Pole. Details are forthcoming.
“Everyone is invited to the Special Events Commission’s first Holiday on the Square. We’re excited about hosting this fine event in our community. We are thankful to our sponsors and the many volunteers and agencies that make this possible,” Merkle said.
In addition to Merkle, the Special Events Commission is comprised of the following volunteers: Lucille Adamick, Tom Christiansen, Candee Cole, Luis Contreras, Linda Forman, Heather Larson, Beth Pauze, Richard Prochenski, Carol Shannon, Kirsten Tangeros, Linda Wojcik and Brian Wolf.
The group, appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the city council, coordinates community events throughout the year.