Suburbs may have lost some holiday cheer, but spirit is still alive
Families that slash their personal entertainment budgets in harsh economic times might look to free community events as a welcome respite during the winter months.
Yet suburban residents seeking those traditions might be a bit disappointed this year, with the demise of some festive events in many towns facing financial constraints of their own.
Schaumburg, for example, canceled its three-day, open-air Christkindlesmarkt that had been running for a decade. Arlington Heights did the same with its holiday market.
Batavia and Algonquin have cut spending on holiday lights and decorations.
In Des Plaines, the city cut its annual New Year's Eve party from this year's budget. The family-oriented, nonalcoholic event drew hundreds of people to downtown over the past six years.
"It's a big disappointment," said resident Pete Mertes. "The kids loved it so much that they wanted to stay until midnight. They enjoyed being part of that whole celebration with everybody at the (Metropolitan Square) plaza."
The event offered activities for all ages, such as hat-making at the history center, bingo, karaoke, bowling and carriage rides.
Mertes said his family probably will stay home this year and watch New Year's festivities on television, but he added, "It would be fun if (the city) brought it back."
After a 36-year run, Naper Settlement in Naperville retired its Christmas Memories event, which included a series of concerts performed by local groups at Century Memorial Chapel.
Yet, determined not to be a Grinch, the Naperville Heritage Society brought back Father Christmas, a costumed character who now is part of the group's "History Speaks" lecture series.
"He is really one of our most beloved characters from Christmas Memories," said Donna DeFalco, spokeswoman for Naper Settlement. "We do have some aspects of Christmas Memories that we are continuing to have. If we had sponsors who would step forward and provide financial support for Christmas Memories and for Naper Days as well, we would be more than happy to bring them back."
While there may be a little less holiday cheer all around due to the economy, in some towns, community groups and volunteers have stepped up to save the holidays.
Batavia MainStreet helped decorate downtown Batavia for the holidays by asking business owners and volunteers to put up lights and decorations wherever possible.
The Friends of Phillips Park rescued Aurora's canceled Santa's House program, allowing children to visit with Santa, and the Rotary Club helped find sponsors for the city's festival of lights.
In Kildeer, a community of roughly 4,000 people that has never before had a tree lighting, new Police Chief Robert Zujewski wanted to share his holiday spirit by donating the lights that now adorn village hall.
"It's the first year we've got holiday lights on this building to let people see that we are a community-oriented village," Zujewski said. "We've had a new administration change. I feel that we need to do a few changes to brighten up the spirits around here. It's helped the total morale of the village and the department, and I hope that all the residents, when they pass by, like it too."