St. Charles to host holiday lights festival

Even as a fifth-grader, Paige Pepera was one of the brightest lights of her brother's life when he was still alive. On Friday, Nov. 27, she'll be the hand that brings all the holiday lights in downtown St. Charles to life.

Pepera's brother, Cameron, died in September after becoming sick during a Thompson Middle School cross country meet. He had an undetected, pre-existing medical condition.

Mayor Ray Rogina officiates the illumination of the city's holiday lights. He said Paige's participation this year is he perfect way for the city to remember what's really important during the holidays.

"The whole process of finding a kid to pull the switch for the lights is always a big thrill," Rogina said. "But if you want to talk about something that's really special, that's what we're going to have with this year's lighting."

The holiday lights are just the introduction to St. Charles' annual Holiday Homecoming festivities. The events on Friday also include visits with Santa in the Santa house on the First Street Plaza and Christmas carols with local school choirs. On the following day, Saturday, Nov. 28, the Arcada Theatre will offer a free showing of "Elf" as part of Small Business Saturday.

Those events pair with free horse-drawn sleigh rides, starting at 1 p.m., in the lead up to the city's Holiday Electric Parade. The parade kicks off on Main and Sixth streets at 5:30 p.m. and goes to Fourth Avenue.

There will be a bit of a political tinge to the parade this year. Local parents are already organizing a display of unity against potential school closings in St. Charles Unit District 303. The district may close up to three schools in an effort to cut costs and improve the remaining schools.

The discussion spawned from pending changes to the state's school funding formula, teacher pension reform and a looming, state-imposed property tax freeze. Parents opposing the school closures are planning to line up on the sidewalks along the parade route with shirts and signs expressing their points of view.

But none of that is expected to slow down the festivities. All the city's events will continue as normal. Rogina said there's nothing that can outshine the massive volunteer efforts that go into creating the city's holiday festival.

"Nobody does Christmas like St. Charles, at least in the Fox Valley," Rogina said. "It's always a great time to come out and watch the fascination on the kids' faces. And the parade is really a symbol of the variety of volunteers we have who make St. Charles special during Christmastime.

"I like all the parades we have, but this one is the most special of all of them for me. It makes me feel like a little kid. I'm just so proud to be mayor, particularly at this time of year, because now is when the city displays itself very, very well."

For details, visit www.downtownstcharles.org/.

If you go

What: St. Charles Holiday Homecoming and Electric Christmas Parade

When: Friday, Nov. 28: 5 p.m., lighting of the lights, Santa visits and musical performances; Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. showing of "Elf" at Arcada, 1 to 4 p.m., visits at Santa's house at First Street Plaza, sleigh rides and Small Business Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Electric Christmas Parade

Where: Downtown St. Charles along Main Street

Cost: Free

Details: <a href="http://www.downtownstcharles.org">www.downtownstcharles.org</a>