Lakeside Legacy Arts Park celebrates "Christmas at the Dole"
The Dole Mansion and Lakeside Legacy Arts Park will be filled with holiday spirit, music and cheer on Friday, Dec. 5, kicking off the annual "Christmas at the Dole" celebration at 5 p.m.
This month's featured art show exhibit is presented by Barbara Schneider in the Dole Mansion gallery. The Sage Gallery will display "Sentiments," a collection of winter inspired works.
First Friday, held the first Friday of each month at Lakeside Legacy, is a free family friendly event where the public is welcome to enjoy the holiday's spirit at the Dole Mansion.
First Friday's free entertainment includes performances by the McHenry County Youth Orchestra, the Berkshire Ballet of Summers Academy of Dance performing selections from "The Nutcracker," "Together Again," the Marian Central Madrigals and Martin Lopez Academy Four Strings Attached. Food is being prepared and served by the MCC Introduction to Hospitality class and led by Chef Tina Drzal. The inclusion of the MCC students is a service learning partnership Lakeside Legacy has formed with this class and the culinary program at MCC.
"The many trees and mantles have been beautifully decorated by community volunteers and really give the mansion a feeling of being home and welcome," said Siobhan Cottone, executive director of Lakeside Legacy Arts Park.
Erin Smith, the Village of Lakewood President, will join the Honorable Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley, as they officially light the Sage Gallery Tree at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park.
"Christmas at the Dole" will conclude with the lighting of the large outside tree on the lawn of Lakeside at 7:45 p.m.
After the free art show and performances will be a concert in the Listening Room at 8 p.m., featuring two of Chicago's finest theater talents, Kim Shriver and Jeremy Kahn. "A Jazzy Holiday Show" is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. Tickets for the performance are $25 and may be purchased online or at the door.
The event is free of charge, and includes a cash bar and light complimentary appetizers. Donations are appreciated and support Lakeside Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. To learn more about the tree-lighting ceremony, art show and Christmas at the Dole/Winter Fest full schedule of events visit www.lakesidelegacy.org.