Rudolph the reindeer, as presented by the Park Singers, wasn’t the only one with a red nose amid frigid weather Friday night at Memorial Park in La Grange Park, where several hundred people came out for the village’s annual holiday tree lighting.
A tradition in La Grange Park for at least 15 years, the tree lighting was a way to celebrate the season as well as a way to “thank all the residents for all that they do throughout the year,” village President James Discipio said. “We’re grateful for all that we have.”
Besides Rudolph, the Park Singers also offered renditions of “Frosty the Snowman and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The S.E. Gross Middle School band also performed, and Cub Scout Pack 66 presented the colors.
Rather than a single tree, La Grange Park’s lighting involved a group of trees lining the west end of Memorial Park parallel to La Grange Road. Many of the trees were sponsored and decorated by area businesses, Chamber of Commerce president Sheri Sauer said.
To do the honors, officials recruited Santa Claus, who arrived by firetruck as bundled-up spectators sipped hot chocolate and coffee and snacked on sweets provided by the village.
“This is always one of our premier events, certainly of the holiday,” Trustee Bob Lautner said. “It always has a large community draw and the weather’s cooperating this year … some years it’s been almost unbearable.”
Last year, an unseasonal rain forced the event to be postponed for a week.
The weather didn’t daunt another guest, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
“It is such an honor and privilege to be out here with all of you,” Welch said. “I just love to visit year after year. … What an awesome village La Grange Park is to call home.”
Westchester resident Damian Chlapecka, who attended with his grandmother, Karen Chlapecka, helped present the colors as a member of Cub Scout Pack 66. But that wasn’t his favorite part of the event.
“I loved the hot chocolate,” Damian said.
Daniel Smrokowski, who lives across La Grange Road from Memorial Park, said the musical performances exceeded his expectations.
“Once they started playing they were really good,” he said.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
