Hundreds attend Des Plaines holiday lighting ceremony
Hundreds of residents and visitors joined local officials at the annual Des Plaines Holiday Lighting Ceremony on the evening of Dec. 2, in Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines.
The annual event culminated with Mayor Martin J. Moylan and other local officials pulling a giant electrical switch that lit up the downtown area including trees decorated by local schoolchildren. Entertainment included the Salvation Army Band, the Maine West High School Warrior Band, the Maine West Choraliers and Artistry in Motion, the Des Plaines Park District’s dance troupe. Back by popular demand, Des Plaines Park District Marketing Manager Gene Haring served as the Master of Ceremonies for the third year.
Adding to the two hour event, Kettle Kabin provided kettle corn, Des Plaines History Center volunteers roasted chestnuts, and John Onofrio of Onofrio Ice Sculptures created a masterpiece in ice. This year’s generous sponsors included Des Plaines Optimist Club, Juno Lighting, Millennium Bank, Rivers Casino, School District 62, Des Plaines History Center, Des Plaines Park District, Des Plaines Theatre, Abbott Molecular, Bishop Plumbing, Des Plaines Material & Supply, Holy Family Medical Center, Journal & Topics Newspapers, Maine Township Highway Department, O’Hare Auto Group, Pesche’s Flowers & Gifts, Salvation Army, Sign-A-Rama and Sysco Food Service.
The newly opened Des Plaines Theatre hosted the showing of a holiday movie immediately following the lighting ceremony. Many local students, who had been involved in decorating trees in Metropolitan Square, and their families, attended the holiday show.
To view additional photographs visit www.desplaines.org/holidaylighting.
Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.