Added dazzle planned for West Chicago's Frosty Fest Dec. 3
West Chicago, Illinois: November 21, 2011 - Added dazzle and holiday fun come packaged in a three-hour event on Main Street sponsored by the City of West Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. Frosty Fest promises to dazzle and delight with some new elements added to traditional favorites.
Twinkling lights, live reindeer, strolling carolers and a horse-drawn wagon ride are all part of the free fun. Plus, a block of ice will be transformed by artist Joe Gagnepain into a crystal Santa ice sculpture thanks to the generosity of the West Chicago Public Library and State Bank of Illinois; and kids will have an opportunity to decorate sugar cookies donated by West Chicago bakery La Chicanita with icing and other edible decorations donated by the West Chicago Fire Protection District's Foundation for Fire and Life Safety. Participants may offer a donation for the cookie-decorating activity which will benefit a local food pantry. Crafts and games sponsored by the West Chicago Park District, and a performance by the West Chicago Community Choir, will be held at the American Legion, which is also the official headquarters for visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The event kicks off with Frosty himself leading a procession that includes a Color Guard presented by local veterans, The Victorians singing troupe, a vintage fire truck (The General) and a City float, down Main Street to the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, where a grand tree-lighting ceremony takes place. Once again, Joe Kramer, of Kramer Tree Specialists has donated a magnificent, fully decorated cut tree for the occasion which will be magically lit by Mayor Mike Kwasman and the winners of the City's annual Frosty Fest essay contest, accompanied by the beautiful voices of the Community High School Chamber Choir.
Plus, downtown businesses will be especially dressed in holiday finery as local merchants participate in a window/storefront decorating contest which will be judged by those attending the festival. A $50 gift certificate to a downtown restaurant will be randomly selected from the ballots submitted. Ballots will be distributed and collected at the City Museum, Fox Community Center and American Legion.
Visitors to the event will want to spend some time in the City Museum enjoying a special exhibit sponsored by West Chicago Sister Cities that focuses on the history of German holiday traditions; and just down the street is Gallery 200 which hosts its Wonderful & Wearable exhibit and sale. Jewelry, fiber craft, and other accessories are affordable, hand-made pieces of art right in time for holiday shopping. Craft activities at Gallery 200 include stringing a pop top bracelet with artist Marge Hall and creating folded paper ornaments with artist Heide Morris.
Free hot cocoa and popcorn will be available at the Fox Community Center throughout the evening, compliments of the West Chicago Lions and Rotary Clubs. The Community Center will serve as a warming station for the event, as will the American Legion. For a complete schedule including addresses for all activities, visit www.westchicago.org.