Hawthorn Woods' Winter Carnival has warmer feel

Despite springlike temperatures in the 50s, the village of Hawthorn Woods hosted its third annual Winter Carnival Saturday in Community Park.

With the snow all but gone, organizers had to go without traditional events, such as a snowman-building contest, snowshoeing race and sledding.

Instead, the event featured activities more conducive to warm temperatures, including a miniature train ride and skill games, such as bean bag and one similar to Bozo's buckets. Refreshments, entertainment, music and horse-drawn carriage rides also were on the agenda.

It's not the first time the weather has affected the village's Winter Carnival.

Hawthorn Woods officials cited a forecast of single-digit temperatures and high winds for delaying the inaugural Winter Carnival on the evening of Jan. 31, 2014. Winter Carnival debuted Feb. 22, 2014, which led officials to stay with a similar date in 2015 and 2016 in an effort to avoid an Arctic chill.

Brian Sullivan, the village's director of parks and recreation, said Friday he expects discussion on whether the next Winter Carnival should be a little earlier in February.

"We always know we have a Plan B," Sullivan said.