West Chicago's Frosty Fest gets new ideas

Since many West Chicago residents count on Frosty Fest to usher in the holidays every year, organizers wanted to mix tradition with fresh ideas.

That's why this year's festival, which is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, along the downtown Main Street, will feature new attractions, including live reindeer and outdoor fireplaces, along with annual favorites like horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa.

Krista Coltrin, a spokeswoman for West Chicago, said the carriage rides always are a huge crowd pleaser, but even that attraction will be spruced up this year.

"What will be quite beautiful is that the carriage path travels through part of the historic housing district and this year there will be luminarias through the street, which will be kind of magical," she said.

The fest will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday with a procession near Jimenez Grocery on Main Street to the Fox Community Center, where the city will host its official tree lighting. And, new this year, residents are invited to join carolers for a community singalong.

"We would love for people to participate," Coltrin said.

Other Frosty Fest attractions will include free hot chocolate and popcorn offered by the Rotary and Lions Clubs in the warming area inside the Fox Community Center, games and crafts.

At the community center, children can also pick up a stockings donated by VFW Post 6791. To fill them up, they will head to downtown businesses displaying special Frosty Fest posters. There, they will receive candy and treats.

"We're very excited to get local businesses connected to the community," Coltrin said.

Throughout the day, these local school groups will also perform: West Chicago School District 33 Band, the West Suburban Home School Band, West Chicago Community High School Chamber Choir. St. Mary's choirs, Youth Jazz Ensemble DuPage, Wheaton Academy Kantorei and Wheaton Academy Jazz Ensemble.

For a complete schedule of Frosty Fest activities, as well as a look at last year's event through a musical slide show, visit westchicago.org.

If you go

What: West Chicago's annual Frosty Fest

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6

Where: Downtown West Chicago on Main Street, between Center and Washington streets

Cost: Free

Details: westchicago.org