Crowds descended on downtown La Grange Saturday for the Hometown Holiday celebration to usher in a festive season of shopping, dining and entertainment.
Families lined up on the Village Hall front lawn to sing carols and admire the lighting of the village’s tree, a majestic blue spruce donated by residents Cynthia and George Hess.
Moments later, sirens blared and traffic halted on La Grange Road for Santa’s arrival by fire truck. With Mrs. Claus, he was then hustled inside to hear the Christmas wishes of a long line of hopeful children.
Warmer than normal temperatures and a dry evening were great to attract a sizable crowd to the festivities, but posed a different challenge to organizers, said Nancy Cummings, executive director of the La Grange Business Association, one of the event’s sponsors.
“We have 18 ice sculptures to be finished as close to 5 p.m. as possible,” Cummings said before the event.
More Top Picks Best Power Wheelchairs Real World
Members of the business association and the village pooled resources to sponsor a petting zoo, kiddie train rides, pony rides and a trolley linking the central business district with West End shops near Brainard and Hillgrove avenues.
Most retailers and restaurants hosted open houses with special treats, and some sponsored entertainment to welcome customers.
Twitter: @janemichaels22