The holiday season kicked off in Vernon Hills Saturday with the village hosting its annual holiday tree and menorah lighting ceremony at the Vernon Hills Golf Course.
Before officials and residents gathered for the afternoon ceremony, Santa Claus made his way through town accompanied by the Countryside Fire Protection District.
After his ride through town, Santa arrived at the golf course where he was met with a crowd of families. He and Mayor Roger Byrne spoke to the crowd before the switch was flipped, illuminating the tree. Along with several officials, the 2021 Queens of Vernon Hills were also present.
“I’d like to thank staff, public works, Countryside Fire Protection District,” Byrne said before they flipped the switch. “Lets get these lights flipped.”
Before the lights went on, all other sources of light at the course were turned off, and Byrne led a countdown. The lights were met with cheers from a crowd — for the first time in two years.
The ceremony also marked a return to tradition after last year’s festival was truncated due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, residents were able to gather for the lighting, which was something that did not occur last year due to the pandemic.
What is usually a festival where residents gather to drink hot chocolate and see the tree lighting was turned into a cruise through town with Santa Claus. Officials then met at the golf course for the lighting, all of which was livestreamed.
This year, Kevin Timony celebrated his first tree lighting as village administrator.
“Overall, it was a great event,” Timony told Pioneer Press. “It was my first one in Vernon Hills and I am told we had a larger than normal crowd. It was nice to be back together again to celebrate the holiday season.”
