Families flock to 20th annual Elburn Christmas Stroll

Elburn kicked off the holiday season with the city's 20th annual Christmas Stroll on Saturday evening.

As live music filled Town and Country Public Library, families lined up alongside rows of books in the children's department to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Hailey Casburn, 9, of Elburn rushed the jolly fellow when it was her turn and gave him a tight hug. She and her three siblings piled on his lap for photos and to give him their wish lists.

“I'm so glad I can see him because I feel safe with him,” said Hailey.

On the kids' wish lists were a toy horse, a stuffed kitty, Legos and Xbox items.

Hailey spoke on behalf of her 1-year-old brother, saying “Brendan is happy with anything.” T

heir mom, Heidi Casburn, has brought the kids to the library to see Santa for the past six years. “We love our library. We're here a couple times a week,” she said. “{This is just one more program that they do so well.”

Outside the library, families gathered to watch a dazzling light display by national award winning designer Brian Larsen of Elburn. The light show featured a 12-foot mega tree, 10 mini trees, a talking Santa, and an FM transmitter that played Christmas music synchronized with the lights.

Down the street, the Elburn and Countryside Fire Department held a tree burning safety demonstration and members of Elburn Boy Scout Troop 7 were making enough s'mores to feed 1,000 people.

Other activities included a hayride, a coloring contest and free samples from local merchants.

Raffle tickets were also being sold to raise money for the Elburn Chamber of Commerce's annual Kaneland Scholarship. For more on upcoming events in Elburn, visit elburn.il.us.