Fox Lake welcomes holidays with tree lighting, parade

Christmas will arrive in Fox Lake on Friday, Nov. 25, with the village’s annual tree lighting ceremony and Korpan’s Christmas Parade.

Amy Serafin, director of the park and recreation department, said the event kicks off at 7 p.m. with the village’s tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Rollins Road.

The next day, the 55th annual parade will line up at the Grant Community High School parking lot, 285 E. Grand Ave., starting at 10 a.m. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., and will proceed down Grand Avenue turn, go left on Rollins Road and into the Towne Centre Plaza to disperse.

“Every year this has been an extremely successful community endeavor due to the cooperation of numerous groups,” Serafin said.

Sarafin said several area business and organizations have placed an entry in the parade, and the theme will be “A Country Western Christmas.”

Participants are urged to decorate their float with a country western theme in mind.

This year’s parade marshal will be former Fox Lake Trustee Ted Beskow. Serafin said Beskow has provided years of dedicated service to Fox Lake and surrounding communities.

The parade will feature the Lake County Marine Corps League Color Guard, the Pentagore Pipes and Drums, Ronald McDonald, Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls, Tebala Shriners Motor Pool, South Paw from the Chicago White Sox, Tommy Hawk from the Chicago Blackhawks, Sparky from the Chicago Fire, Those Funny Little People, and of course, Santa Claus.

Area school bands and chorus groups will also participate.

Following the parade, there will be a children’s holiday party, for ages 10 and under, at the Fox Lake Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd.

This year children will be able to see two of Santa’s famous helpers and reindeer. Hot dogs, juice and holiday stockings will be provided free.

For information, call Serafin at (847) 587-3944.