East, West Dundees again give holidays the Dickens

The streets of East and West Dundee came alive Friday and Saturday with revelers, painted storefront windows, the tree-lighting ceremonies, music and Santa.

The current Dickens in Dundee festival looks nothing like the first one 30 years ago.

The Dundee Jaycees put together the first festival, then other groups such as the Dundee Township Historical Society and the Lions Clubs became involved. Horse-drawn carriage rides, tree-decorating contests and a parade were added. In 2006, West Dundee trustees took over its planning and invited their counterparts on the east side of the Fox River to help.

"This has become Dundee's longest-running festival. It gives East and West Dundee an opportunity to celebrate the holidays together," West Dundee Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said.

East Dundee trustees started the party with a 6 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony at the Dundee Township Visitors' Center, and an hour later West Dundee trustees did the honors at the Second Street village hall.