West Chicago to kick off the holidays with Frosty Fest
West Chicago is ushering in the holiday season this Saturday with a sleigh full of fun during its annual Frosty Fest.
The three-hour event in downtown will feature the city's tree-lighting, horse-drawn wagon rides, a live reindeer display and a visit by Santa himself.
"It's a great way to showcase what West Chicago has to offer, while also celebrating the holidays at the same time," said Bethany Bayci, the city's special events coordinator.
The festival begins at 4 p.m. with the Frosty Procession led by Santa and Mrs. Claus in a firetruck. The parade, which includes Frosty the Snowman and community groups, will step off from a parking lot at 560 Main St. and make its way to the community tree outside the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St.
Mayor Ruben Pineda will make a few comments before the decorated tree is lit. The switch is expected to be flipped around 4:30 p.m.
To make things extra festive, 3-D glasses will be given to the first 500 guests just before the lighting of the tree.
"When you hold them up to a tree or lights, you'll see reindeer where all the lights are," Bayci said.
After the tree-lighting ceremony, there will be free activities until 7 p.m. at locations along Main, between Washington and Center streets.
The outdoor activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, live ice sculpture carving, a candy cane giveaway, a winter glove giveaway and a performance by the Gary School and Wegner School choirs. There's also going to be a live reindeer display and an activity sponsored by the WeGo Wildcats Softball Team.
For those who want to stay warm, there will be plenty to do inside Gallery 200, Gallery Theater, Republic Bank, the City Museum, the American Legion Hall and Fox Community Center.
There will be performances by the Pointe Your Toes Dance Company, District 33's Ballet Folklorico group, and the First United Methodist Church Choir at the American Legion Hall. Fox Community Center will have a cookie decorating activity - with a suggested $1 donation to support Neighborhood Food Pantries - and crafts sponsored by the park district.
Festivalgoers, meanwhile, can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy free hot chocolate and popcorn at Republic Bank.
"There's really a lot to do in a short amount of time," Bayci said. "So it's a really fun way to start the holiday season here in West Chicago."
She said the event, which usually draws about 1,000 people, is possible because of the support of dedicated volunteers and organizations.
"We've got all these organizations that want to provide an opportunity that's free for the community to celebrate the holidays," Bayci said. "I think that makes it special."
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West Chicago Frosty Fest
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Downtown West Chicago
Cost: Free
Info: westchicago.org