Welcoming wonders of winter

Where is Lake Wonderland, you ask?

For two days this weekend, it will make its festive return to Des Plaines.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the Des Plaines Park District and Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Lake Wonderland Winter Festival.

Lake Park, on Lee Street off Touhy and Howard avenues, will provide the scenic setting for the winter festival.

All the holiday favorites will return for another year.

There will be horse-drawn sleigh rides, music and entertainment from various community groups, crafts, outdoor games and the comical "yellow snow eating contest." Sleigh rides cost $5 for adults and $3 for children.

A special Iditarod program with Siberian huskies will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, or check out an ice carving demonstration from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

"It gets better every year," 5th Ward Alderman Carla Brookman said.

Entertainment will include performances by the O'Hare Irish Dancers, the Maine West Jazz Band, the Prospect High School Madrigal Singers, the Notables and Artistry in Motion Dance company.

If you go

What: Lake Wonderland Winter Festival, hosted by Des Plaines Park District and Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce

When: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Lake Park off Lee Street at Howard

Cost: Free admission

Call: (847) 391-5700