Bloomingdale festival illuminates village
Bloomingdale's third annual Festival Lights will be bigger and brighter than ever on Friday, Nov. 27.
Started in 2013 by the village and Bloomingdale Park District, the new holiday tradition has sparked a sense of pride and service in Bloomingdale, as well as attracting visitors from surrounding towns, benefiting local business. Pedestrians and motorists alike are treated to a sparkling display of holiday lights and sights.
The Lighting Ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. when Bloomingdale park board President Buzz Puccio and Mayor Franco Coladipietro pull the giant switch to illuminate Old Town Park at 111 3rd St.
In addition to visually stunning displays, the park district will conduct expanded on-site programming and entertainment activities. Across the street from Old Town Park, the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, will offer hot chocolate and cookies during all open times.
Special hours during the holidays are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays.
The holiday exhibit at the museum running Friday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 27, is "Paws & Claus."
In Gallery I, the Lego Train City exhibit returns. The surrounding walls feature drawings, paintings and sculptures of Santa Claus and dogs by artists Charlotte Burgess, Sherylee Dodge, Carol Foster, Fredericka Howard and Cheryl Rausch.
In Gallery II, Snoopy and friends are featured. Posters, stuffed animals and other related items come from the collection of Charise McCarthy.
Santa visits the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, and Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 11, and 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. Rockin' Santa performs at the museum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13; 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17; and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Juggler Chris Fascione performs at the museum at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Carriage rides in Old Town Park are offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; Friday, Dec. 11; and Saturday, Dec. 26.
For more on holiday entertainment and activities, visit www.bloomingdaleparks.org or www.villageofbloomingdale.org.