Northbrook Park District's Santa's Party in the Parks lets families have socially distanced holiday fun

Children and their families were able to see Santa Claus in-person as he danced to Christmas music on a makeshift stage atop a stationary flatbed truck during Santa's Party in the Parks Saturday.

DJ Rick Porter played upbeat Christmas music from a variety of artists, including the Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and Alvin and the Chipmunks, while an elf danced around the blacktop and handed out candy canes during the event.

"Today's event is safely bringing joy to the children by taking Santa around to the local parks so they can enjoy him at a safe distance," said Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Nancy Eschker, who wore the festive red and green elf costume.

Santa and his entourage visited the parking lots at Techny Prairie Parks and Fields, Meadowhill Park, Village Green Park, Leisure Center and Wood Oaks Green Park for approximately 20 minutes at each stop.

Around 50 people were present at Techny Prairie Parks and Fields, which was the first stop. Since Santa was ready to go prior to the scheduled noon start, some people were able to visit early.

Among the first visitors were Carrie Malnor of Northbrook and her children, Hannah, 7, and Charlie, 6. They stood back from the stage at a safe distance and waved to Santa as he danced to The Beach Boys' "Little St. Nick."

"It's something fun to do," Malnor said. "I appreciate the park district's efforts to find ways to engage the community in this unusual year."

In the past, the Northbrook Park District had hosted Breakfast and Lunch With Santa, but that event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It usually took place at Sportsman's Country Club but due to recent renovations of that facility, last year it had been moved to Leisure Center.

"We threw around a bunch of ideas, and this seemed like the safest way to get to the most people," Eschker said.