New village, new tradition

This Saturday will see a bit of Bedford Falls come to a growing community in Kane County.

The neighbors of Pingree Grove will bring their third annual Santa's Landing to life at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.

Dazzling lights, special guests and neighborly friendship add up to a night that is all about celebrating the magic of Christmas.

"We wanted to create a night that had that small-town feel, like the Christmases you see in the old movies," Joe Klemencic, one of the event coordinators.

"It's our way of giving back to the community."

All along Glen Cove Lane, residents have adorned their homes with a plethora of sparkling holiday lights and festive decorations for visitors to enjoy.

The piece de resistance is Klemencic's house, which features a show of over 17,000 LED lights computer synchronized to Christmas carols.

Preparing for the display takes months, he said. For every song that plays, the lights twinkle and dance in a different configuration. The timing takes 20 hours per song to coordinate.

"It's kind of my obsession," Klemencic laughs.

It was his hobby that snowballed into the Santa's Landing event. After years of putting together such amazing presentations, his neighbors wanted to get involved in promoting the simple pleasures of the season. In the first year of the event, over 200 people came by to see the displays.

While guests admire the beautiful lights shone up and down the street, they can also anticipate the arrival of the big man in red.

Santa will be coming to town on a fire truck, bringing treats and trinkets for all his visitors. Along for the ride will be Mrs. Claus and that creature whose heart was two sizes too small, the Grinch.

"Kids only get to spend a few seconds with Santa at the mall," said. "On this night, they'll get to see him in a more personal, fun environment."

Free hot chocolate and candy canes will be passed out by the residents, who ask for nothing in return.

"The payoff is seeing people enjoying themselves," said Klemencic. "As long as people keep having fun, we'll keep doing it."

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Santa's Landing, a light show and Santa Claus visit</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Glen Clove Lane, West Hampton neighborhood in Cambridge Lakes, Pingree Grove</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.twinkleclaus.com" target="new">www.twinkleclaus.com</a></p>