Santa Claus arrived in a decorated Hummer while his wife came on a fire truck for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony Saturday at the Pingree Grove Police Department along Reinking Road.
The tree was donated by Pingree Grove Village President Steve Wiedmeyer, who owns Wiedmeyer Landscape Services. Wiedmeyer said the tree was originally planted in 2003.
There were a host of activities for attendees to enjoy at the holiday event.
“Inside the police station, we have a craft room and Nancy McKay from Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library in Hampshire reading stories to children,” said Amber Kubiak of the Pingree Grove community events committee. “Inside the tent, we are holding a silent auction along with free hot chocolate and doughnuts.”
The Cambridge Lakes Charter School Coyote Choir, led by CLCS teacher Olivia Pannell, and the Hampshire High School choir, led by Hampshire High choral director Christopher Cherry, provided holiday music.
Children hopped aboard the holiday train for a ride in the parking lot. The three films shown on the police station building’s wall were: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.”
“I would like to thank the Pingree Grove public works, police and fire departments, village administration staff and board, Country Donuts of Elgin, Hampshire High School student council and choir, Cambridge Lakes Charter School choir, and Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library,” Wiedmeyer said. “I would also like to thank the Pingree Grove community events committee members and volunteers. Without them, these events would not be possible. These events are organized by this group, and the funding comes from donations and fundraisers.”
Jackie Pierce is the committee chairperson. Committee members include: Kubiak, Rick Fryer, Mary Ann Merchant, Melissa and Joe Herschbein, Karen Weeks, and Kim and Grant Wylie.
After the holiday event at the police station, Wiedmeyer said attendees could visit The Milk House, which is also located along Reinking Road in Pingree Grove. That night, Milk House ice cream specials were: Peppermint Brownie, Eggnog Bread Pudding, and St. Louis Butter Cake with Raspberries. There was also an Abominable Snowman sundae.
While The Noble Carrot Co-op next door to The Milk House closed for the season in November, the building was open on Saturday night to give people a warm place to meet and listen to live music. The Milk House is open year-round from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.