Santa made a grand entrance in La Grange where the village celebrated the start of the holiday season.
The bearded one and his wife, Mrs. Claus, arrived by fire engine on Saturday to the acclaim of visitors who were on hand to kick off the Christmas season at the village’s annual Hometown Holiday celebration.
Merchants throughout the downtown business district and the West End opened their stores and greeted customers with special events and treats.
In addition to Santa’s arrival, one of the highlights of the day was the lighting of the village’s Christmas tree near at 53 S. La Grange Road.
The 30-foot-tall Blue Spruce was donated by 92-year-old Veronika Matuzas who planted it in the early 1980s in her yard in La Grange. She decided to remove and donate it when it grew too close to her house.
Matuzas, along with Village President Tom Livingston, was there to see the tree glow as the lights festooning it were turn on.
Mike Bojovic, director of public works, said the spruce was an ideal holiday tree.
“It’s straight, tall and full,” he said. “It’s symmetrical too.”
Visitors also days enjoyed other events and activities including include songs by strolling carolers, trolley rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a kiddie train and ice sculptures.
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