Santa, snowflakes and s'mores in Villa Park
Alesia Bailey always has something new up her sleeve.
This year, it's 9-inch foam snowflakes bearing a flurry of good wishes during Villa Park's annual Joyful Traditions holiday celebration.
For a $5 donation, which goes to the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce's scholarship fund, residents can write personalized messages on the snowflakes, which will hang inside the gazebo at Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard.
“I'm hoping to create a blizzard,” said Bailey, the chamber's executive director.
Joyful Traditions is the chamber's holiday gift to the village as well as a thank you to the customers who have patronized Villa Park businesses throughout the year.
The free event is from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.
At 6:15 p.m., Santa Claus and his helper, Village President Tom Cullerton, will light the village's Christmas tree.
Another 75 prelit, 4-foot trees will twinkle along the Illinois Prairie Path. The trees are “adopted” and decorated by business, community groups, families and individuals.
For kids, there are free photos with Santa and a chance to win the “world's largest stocking.” Actually, there are two one 8-foot stocking and one 6-foot stocking and both are stuffed with toys and other goodies.
Families can warm up while drinking steaming hot chocolate or toasting marshmallows around the bonfire. The build-your-own s'mores station is one of Joyful Traditions' most popular attractions.
The Tasting Tent will feature food from local restaurants.
Entertainment includes caroling by the Willowbrook High School Center Stage Show Choir, horse-drawn wagon rides, and trolley car rides to the Villa Park Historical Society museum.
Residents are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the food pantry.
Snowflakes for Scholarships are available at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave., and the chamber office, 10 W. Park Blvd. To sponsor a tree along the Prairie Path for $39, call the chamber at (630) 941-9133.
If you go
<B>If you go</B><P>
<B>What:</B> Joyful Traditions<P>
<B>Where:</B> Ardmore Avenue and Park Boulevard, Villa Park<P>
<B>When</B>: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; tree-lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m.<P>
<B>Details:</B> Photos with Santa, build-your-own s'mores station, caroling, wagon rides and trolley car rides<P>
<B>Cost:</B> Free<P>
<B>Info:</B> villaparkchamber.org<P>