Sled dogs center of Elgin holiday fest
A sledding demonstration featuring 20 Siberian Huskies was one of the main draws Saturday to "Window Wonderland: Home for the Holidays" in downtown Elgin.
More than 200 people came to see what the dogs are famous for -- pulling sleds and wheeled carts.
The dogs, ranging in age from a few months to 11 years, only needed three things Saturday to keep them going, said Carey Green, of Lemont, a member of Green Valley Dog Drivers, a recreational dog sledding group.
"Exercise, food and attention," Green said. "They're very friendly dogs."
Gladis Huichapa of Elgin brought her two kids Vanessa, 6, and Alberto, 4, with her to the dog demonstrations after they had lunch with Santa.
Huichapa came out of curiosity because the dogs with their bright blue eyes reminded her of dogs she'd seen in Mexico.
The dogs were taking a break by the time she arrived with her family, but were very receptive to her kids petting them.
"My daughter, even though she's allergic to dogs, she still loves dogs," Huichapa said.
The day featured a series of winter-related events, including live reindeer, roasting chestnuts, readings from "Polar Express," a Christmas queen, house tours in the city's North East Neighborhood, a live nativity scene, trolley rides to downtown businesses and Santa Claus.
And as part of the event, now in its 11th year and the city's prelude to the holiday season, various downtown Elgin merchants decorated their storefront windows with winter themes.
The City of Elgin and about a dozen local businesses and groups sponsored the event.