Lombard brunch survives harsh weather

Someone forgot to send Mother Nature a card for Mother's Day, and she cried all morning long.

Heavy rain fell all morning at Lombard's annual Mother's Day brunch at Lilacia Park. Wet skies, gusting winds and cool temperatures led to the cancellation of the 9 a.m. brunch.

By 10:30 a.m., winds ripped through a heated tent set up on the back end of the park. The tent was constructed to make a go at fulfilling 11 a.m. reservations for the same brunch.

Round tables draped with plastic pink tablecloths attempted to bring some brightness and warmth to moms and families as they began to fill the tent. An electric piano set the mood.

The recently announced lilac queen and her princesses brought their moms to indulge in made-to-order omelets.

Cards featuring family photos and the hugs that followed were the most common gifts exchanged.

By noon, the rain had stopped in Lombard, rewarding all the late-sleeping moms who would partake in the 1 p.m. version of the brunch at Lilacia Park.

The park itself was somewhat beaten down by the weather and didn't see the usual post-meal strolls moms typically take along with their families.

Despite the conditions, it wasn't the first time bad weather rained on the annual Mother's Day brunch. Lombard Park District staff said the brunch will proceed every year, rain or shine in honor of all the good things mother's do for their loved ones all year long.

This year's brunch was the 17th installment of the festivities. Despite the weather, it still served more than 100 people.