Des Plaines to light up for holidays Nov. 30

Everyone is invited to the Des Plaines Annual Holiday Lighting event, Friday afternoon and evening, Nov. 30, in Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines, behind the Des Plaines Theater, between Lee Street and Pearson Avenue. Enjoy free entertainment and goodies as Des Plaines Mayor Martin J. Moylan and local officials welcome the holiday season by pulling a giant switch lighting up the City's downtown.

Earlier in the afternoon, at approximately 3:30 PM, on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, local elementary, middle school and high school students will decorate holiday trees, provided by the Des Plaines Optimists, in Metropolitan Square with handmade ornaments reflecting the theme “Holidays Around the World.” Once again this year, as in past years, the Des Plaines Fire Department will escort Santa into Metropolitan Square on a fire engine where he will greet the public and give away candy canes, compliments of Sam's Club.

At approximately 4:45 PM, the Salvation Army Band will entertain, followed by Artistry in Motion, the Des Plaines Park District's Dance Troupe. At approximately 5:30 PM the Maine West High School Choraliers will sing some holiday classics. Following the medley, Band Director Bernie Gerstmayr and members of the Maine West High School Warrior Band will lead Mayor Moylan and accompanying City Officials into Metro Square where they will be greeted by the Master of Ceremonies, Des Plaines Park District Marketing Manager Gene Haring.

At approximately 6 PM, officials will lead the public in a countdown that culminates on the main stage with the flipping of a giant switch turning on the lights in the downtown. –more-

DP To Light Up For The Holidays, Friday, November 30, 2012

Adding to the festive atmosphere and thanks to the Salvation Army, hot chocolate and coffee will be available to accompany cookies provided by Sysco. Members of the Des Plaines History Center will offer roasted chestnuts.

Maine Township will provide a hay wagon where families can photograph their children with Santa. Remember to bring your camera! The evening doesn't end with the Lighting Ceremony as the Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner Street, will be showing a holiday feature at approximately 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited to stop by the Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood Street, to view the holiday card exhibit featuring the work of local school children.

The 2012 Holiday Lighting Committee, under the direction of Mayor Martin J. Moylan, consists of the following: Donna Catlett, Mayor's Office, Howard Moser, Des Plaines Engineering and Public Works Department, Mark Miller, Des Plaines Engineering and Public Works Department, Shari Caine, Des Plaines History Center, Mindy Ward, School District 62, Kathy Ryan, School District 62, Karen Kozenczak, Des Plaines Media Services Division, William Soderberg, Des Plaines Media Services Division, Dan Niemann, Des Plaines Police Department, Gene Haring, Des Plaines Park District, John Pluta, Des Plaines Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Beverly Carroll, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Erik Voight, GIS Consortium, and Daniel Millen, GIS Consortium.

“Everyone is invited to our annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony to help welcome in this festive season. This truly is a magical time of year and we want the community to come out and join us in lighting up the downtown. Des Plaines is a great town and it is important that we celebrate the season together and keep our traditions, such as the Lighting Ceremony, alive,” Mayor Martin J. Moylan said.

There is still an opportunity to become a sponsor for the 2012 Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Contact the Mayor's Office at 847-391-5301 if you would like to help.