Shoppers can try to spy polar bear in displays

Word on the street in Naperville this holiday season is that a snuggly toy polar bear named Leon will be hibernating in store windows.

It's up to eagle-eyed shoppers to discover his hiding places if they want to win a chance to bring him home.

Leon is the newest addition to the Winter Window Walk, a downtown Naperville holiday tradition that begins Thanksgiving weekend with the Hometown Holidays celebration and features lights, decorations and contests that continue through December.

"We're encouraging all the merchants on the first floor, and those on the second and third floors, to add Leon to their windows," said Patti Roberts, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting downtown businesses.

The 12-inch plush bear, whose name evolved from a legend that involves Christmas, will be discreetly tucked in out-of-the-way spots inside display windows.

"All the participating merchants that sign up will have Leon to hide somewhere in their window," Roberts said.

Shoppers sharp-eyed enough to scout out his location can register inside the store to win Leon in a drawing, she said.

"You can register as many times as you want to. You can register at as many stores as you want," Roberts said.

Merchants are still signing up, but it looks like there will be a good turnout, she said.

"We had 65 merchants involved with Harry Potter," she said. "We're looking to get that many, too."

Eight-inch versions of Leon will be sold for $10 each by several merchants as a fundraiser for Little Friends, a Naperville-based organization that serves the disabled.

The smaller-sized Leon bears also will be available along the downtown route of the Friends of the Little Friends Electric Lights Parade set for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23.

Roberts said Leon will add a bit more whimsy to an already spectacular scene.

"It adds to the festivities," she said. "All the merchants decorate anyway. Now it's a concerted effort."