Santa's Village may be resurrected near Starved Rock

Santa Claus won't be moving from the North Pole to downstate Utica, but a theme park inspired by St. Nick -- and its resident Santa -- is looking to relocate to the town about two hours southwest of Chicago.

Once a popular attraction in East Dundee, Santa's Village closed more than two years ago. Several attempts to reopen have failed.

But now, officials from Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Lodge and Resort in Utica and the Santa's Village's former resident Santa, Phillip Wenz, are considering recreating Santa's Village at the resort.

"Santa's Village remains a great memory for many people across the Midwest," Joe Hook, general managing partner of Grizzly Jack's Resort said in a release. "We look forward to creating this new magic for generations to come."

The resort already owns a number of famous rides and props from the East Dundee location. Plans could eventually include historic buildings and displays from the theme park, which first opened its doors in May 1959.

Wenz, who appeared as Santa in East Dundee for more than 20 years, also will exhibit memorabilia from the theme park.

Though the new park is not expected to open for two years, Santa's Village-related events and attractions are scheduled for this Christmas and into next summer.

On Friday, Nov. 28, Santa will arrive at the resort to kick off the Christmas season. Visitors can partake in Sunday Brunch with Santa through the holiday season.

Next summer, part of the resort could be transformed into a temporary home for Santa's Village where guests will be able to ride historic attractions like the Snow Ball ride and the Convoy Trucks.

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