The Glencoe Park District’s first ever Hallmark Holiday downtown memory maker at Kalk Park attracted more than 300 people to the outdoor paid event on Thursday, Dec. 15.
The weather featured snow flurries and was 33 degrees when the event began at 5 p.m. Hallmark Holiday as a theme was inspired by the Christmas movies and holiday scenes popular on the Hallmark Channel.
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“On cue, it starts snowing,” said a delighted Lisa Sheppard, Glencoe Park District executive director. “Glencoe is such a small, picturesque town kind of like what’s in all the Hallmark movies, and so, that’s where the inspiration came.”
“We’re like, ‘Hey, let’s do a fun holiday event for all holidays, in the wintertime, and just get out and enjoy the beautiful gazebo and fun winter activities,” Sheppard said.
“Why is Glencoe a great place to be home for the holidays?” Sheppard added, then saying that Glencoe, “just brings a sense of family and community. It’s just something out of the old fashioned holiday movies.”
Kalk Park had an ethereal holiday glow. The park was illuminated by seasonal lights and oversized inflatables and featured numerous activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Included were a giant inflatable snow globe, petting zoo, horse and carriage rides, candy cane hunt, winter games and s’mores by open fires. Candy canes were placed on tree branches and were fun, tasty finds.
Pickle ornaments were hidden around the park premises and finders could win one of 12 prizes.
Holiday carols were part of the schedule. Fare was available to purchase. A pop-up shop inside the gazebo featured an opportunity to buy local-inspired holiday gifts.
Victoria Mitchell of Glencoe, 4, was accompanied by her parents Duncan and Melissa Mitchell.
Melissa Mitchell said with a laugh that sometimes she can’t resist the Hallmark Channel’s seasonal movies.
“I watch them (Hallmark Channel movies) sometimes, it’s kind of a guilty pleasure, they (Glencoe Park District) understood the assignment here. It’s perfect,” Melissa Mitchell said. “Thank you Glencoe Park District.”
Sean and Tina Nicol of Glencoe and their children Mason, 4, and Hannah, 2, made holiday memories making s’mores by outdoor fire pits. Mason looked like he ate all of his s’mores treat.
To the Glencoe Park District, “Thank you for all your great events,” Tina Nicol said.
Rob and Michelle Adams of Glencoe watched their child Rachel, 7, a second-grader, spend a significant amount of time inside the friendly petting zoo pen. And why not?
They also went on a 10 minute or so carriage ride fronted by clopping horses. Carriage rides began on Park Avenue and returned around the block. Rachel Adams wore a flashing lighted holiday light bulb necklace for the evening.
“It’s a snowy, wonderful, perfect Hallmark night,” Michelle Adams said. “Super happy.”
For the holidays, Rob Adams would simply like, “peace on Earth, goodwill towards men.” Michelle Adams would like, “health and happiness.”
To Hallmark Holiday organizers, their daughter Rachel Adams appreciatively said, “Thank you for making it a wonderful party.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.