Let the countdown begin: Tree-lighting Saturday at Frosty Fest

Lights, check. Ornaments, check. Butterflies, check.

The official tree is ready to turn on the magic of Frosty Fest this Saturday, Dec. 7, immediately following the Frosty Procession which steps off at 4 p.m. and includes the West Chicago Police Department and Honor Guard, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, Frosty, West Chicago Community High School Varsity Boys Soccer team-IHSA Class 3A State Champions, First United Methodist Church of West Chicago, Blue Frost Heating & Cooling, the Lions Club Train, and City Council members riding in a horse-drawn wagon. Mayor Ruben Pineda, his wife Julie and the student contest winners ride in the horse-drawn carriage. Riding in a Fire District engine will be Santa and Mrs. Claus.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., when all procession participants arrive at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St., the tree will take center stage as Mayor Pineda invites the crowd to count down to the exciting lighting.

Earlier this week, the team from Kramer Tree Specialists began the annual tradition of stringing the lights and adding the ornaments on the official community tree, this year, marking the community's celebration of The Year of the Butterfly with 20 winter-themed, hand-designed wooden butterflies as additional ornaments. Like the public art project this past summer which introduced 36 artist-designed butterflies in public gardens throughout the community, the Christmas tree butterflies will surely capture the imaginations of those attending Frosty Fest.

The generous community donation of the tree-decorating was started ten years ago by owner Joe Kramer, who passed away last year. Sons Todd and Jeff, along with the team at Kramer Tree Specialists, have continued the tradition.

A complete schedule of Frosty Fest is now available at www.westchicago.org under Special Events/Frosty Fest.