Weather makes Des Plaines' fest wonderful
On Saturday, Lake Opeka in Des Plaines really did look like Lake Wonderland, with its snow-covered banks and more than 30 trees all twinkling with lights.
The storybook setting was perfect for the Lake Wonderland Winter Festival in Des Plaines, a popular destination starting with Santa's arrival at noon and building through the afternoon and early evening with a mix of activities and heated tents.
Organizers said they hit the jackpot this weekend, drawing just the right amount of snow and seasonal temperatures, to celebrate winter.
"This is our best year so far," said Gail Mountcastle, recreation superintendent with the Des Plaines Park District. "It's awesome."
Festival activities continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, starting with free pictures with Santa. The event is run in partnership between the park district and the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce.
On Saturday, horse-drawn sleigh rides were a big draw for families to ride along the lakeshore, while back at the Lake Park clubhouse, an ice-carving demonstration drew a steady crowd.
Pierre Checchi, an instructor from Kendall College, worked throughout the afternoon on a pair of 300-pound ice blocks in order to carve them into a bear catching a fish from a stream.
"This perfect weather for this," declared Checchi, a chef instructor from Kendall College. "It's just the right temperatures."
Inside one of two tents, families found Santa waiting to greet little ones. With mulched pine trees adding the seasonal fragrance inside, another familiar scent greeted them outside: roasted chestnuts prepared by the Des Plaines Historical Society.
"This is just perfect for a winter festival," said Patricia Frontain, of Des Plaines, while she waited to see the jolly old elf with her children, Patrick and Zoe.
Another tent offered live entertainment and an Iditarod Race program, presented by Carol Preble of Marengo, who has done sprint races with her Siberian husky, Walker, and her vintage ash wood sled.
It turned out families were so interested in the Siberian huskies on hand, as well as the sled, that they found they had another unique photo opportunity.
"It's so much fun to see his eyes light up when he sees all of this," said Maria Chybicki of Mount Prospect, with 2-year-old Justin. "It makes our holidays."