Lombard celebrates Jinglebell Jubilee
Organizers of Lombard's fifth annual Jinglebell Jubilee say it should be a picture-perfect holiday gathering. And with seven groups involved in planning and paying for the event, organizers said coordinating it was the picture of local cooperation.
“We just do this one-day event to bring the holidays to Lombard,” Georgette Mrofcza, assistant to the executive director of the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said about the jubilee.
The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and includes activities downtown and in Lilacia Park.
The village, park district, library, historical society, a downtown business group and Glenbard East High School joined the chamber in planning or participating in different segments of the event. It will include the ceremonial lighting of Lilacia Park, miniature train rides for kids and a photo opportunity with a reindeer.
The main event the lighting of Lilacia Park will take place at 5:15 p.m., just after Santa arrives on a fire truck.
“The park is beautiful, it's kind of like a mini-light show,” Mrofcza said. “It's very warm and homey.”
But if it's cold outside, visitors can warm up inside Lombard Bible Church, 111 S. Park Ave.; the Helen Plum Memorial Library, 110 W. Maple St.; or the Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St., which will offer tours from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event begins with a scavenger hunt for kids organized by the downtown business group Lombard Town Centre. Kids will get clues that direct them to certain downtown shops and the first five to finish will receive a prize, said Colleen Whittington, publicity chair for Lombard Town Centre.
“Typically, Jinglebell really kind of starts in downtown Lombard,” Whittington said. “Each year we do something with the businesses.”
Other attractions include Christmas at the Library from 6 to 8 p.m. and horse-drawn carriage rides. Madrigal singers from Glenbard East High School will serenade festival goers from 6 to 8 p.m.
A new addition this year will be a winter clothing drive sponsored by the Lombard Park District, said Jackie Brzezinski, administrative assistant. Warm clothing donated at the Jinglebell Jubilee will be donated to Catholic Charities, which has a location on St. Charles Road in downtown Lombard, she said.
“Dress for the weather,” Brzezinski said, “and come for a great evening of family fun.”
If you go
What: Lombard Jinglebell Jubilee
When: 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4
Where: Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave.; Victorian Cottage Museum, 23 W. Maple St.
Cost: Free
Details: Scavenger hunt 3 to 5 p.m.; Santa's arrival by firetruck and tree-lighting at 5:15 p.m.; lighting of Lilacia Park and Glenbard East Madrigal Singers, 6 to 8 p.m., includes train rides, winter clothing drive, photos with Jingles the Reindeer
Info: (630) 620-3718 or on.fb.me/JBJubilee