Unlike past years when Waukegan’s municipal Christmas tree was the size of those sitting in many people’s living rooms, and few had much to say about it at the annual tree lighting ceremony, this year’s was different.
“Look at that star at the top,” said Angel Roman, who was at the event with family and friends. “It’s really bright. It stands out and makes the whole tree.”
Haroon Unjom brought his family from Gurnee to see a community tree lighting and start their holiday season. He, too, was impressed with the size of the tree — 18 feet — and the decorations.
“We wanted to show the tree to our children,” Unjom said. “The decorations are really nice, and look at the star.”
A crowd of 100 joined Mayor Ann Taylor in a countdown as the city’s Christmas tree was illuminated Saturday at Jack Benny Plaza in downtown Waukegan as part of a series of events officially starting the city’s holiday season.
Along with the tree lighting, the annual Kris Kringle Market drew more than 30 vendors offering a wide variety of holiday gifts at the Waukegan Public Library. After the tree lighting, Santa Claus went to the library and posed for pictures with the children.
Library executive director Tiffany Verzani said the library was glad to be part of the city’s holiday kickoff, with the market and the visit from Santa. Families were able to meet Santa and get photos with him.
“We have a wide variety of things being sold,” she said. “We are happy to be part of the downtown celebration.”
Before the tree lighting, the Waukegan Park District held its first Go Waukegan Winter Hot Chocolate Walk starting at Jack Benny Plaza. The warm beverage was welcomed by the participants who were there with the feel-like temperature in the single digits.
Martha Sostre and her family began their participation with the walk before joining the crowd for the tree lighting. She said they did a number of Park District walks, and wanted to add this one to their accomplishments. She said they walked nearly three miles around downtown Waukegan.
Sostre said Saturday was the family’s first time at the tree lighting and they liked the event. Her husband Ivan commented on the tree while their children — Benedicion, and Ezekiel — said they knew what they wanted for Christmas, but it was not their first priority for the holiday.
“We’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday,” Ezekiel said.
As the crowd was gathering, members of the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade choirs at Migual Juarez Middle School in Waukegan sang a selection of holiday music.
Taylor said the city decided to purchase an artificial tree, even though several at the ceremony said they thought it was real. It came pre-decorated in several parts, and should last between 10 and 15 years.
More than twice the size of previously used cut trees, Taylor said the tree is similar to ones found in shopping centers. Other communities in the area have similar trees for public display. She hopes the tree adds to the festive atmosphere.
“This kicks off the holiday season,” she said. “We need to celebrate and have peace in our lives, especially with what the nation is experiencing right now. Kids need to have something to look forward to in the community.”
