The Northfield Holiday Fest was held for the third year on Wednesday, Nov. 29 evening at Clarkson Park on Willow Road.
Later in the one hour event, the moon rose dramatically from the east, wowing event attendees observing the park with its large illuminated, colorful holiday tree along Willow Road.
The free occasion attracted hundreds of people, said Nada Becker, communications and marketing manager for the Northfield Park District.
“It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holidays together, you see friends and neighbors and there are all kinds of things for the kids to do,” Becker said.
Becker was delighted community partners included the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library and the Northfield Community Nursery School who both offered their resources and free amenities such as crafts.
Amelia Kmiec, branch librarian at the Northfield Library of the Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District, helped to staff an indoors community outreach resource table near a flickering fireplace.
“We love just reaching out to the community,” Kmiec said.
The library promoted its Winter Reading Challenge which runs through December and January.
Winter is, “traditionally a time when we’re all sort of forced indoors and it’s a nice way to return to literacy and the values that we get from there and the comfort that we seek from that journey,” Kmiec said about the reading challenge.
Also present were supporters of Northfield parks, Becker said.
“Our Parks Foundation is here this year, they’re our Santa sponsor and they’re giving out candy canes while people visit and take a selfie with Santa,” Becker said. “It’s just really special because it brings the community together.”
With newer park renovations, the event footprint included indoor and outdoor working fireplaces and a fire pit for making s’mores treats.
“I grew up in this community, love this little town, my family moved here in 1964 and it’s wonderful to see so many people out here enjoying this bandshell and our lighting of the tree,” said Northfield Village President Greg Lungmus, of the New Trier West High School Class of 1978.
Musical entertainment included the Avoca West Elementary Choir and by third-graders from Middlefork School. Stormy’s Tavern and Grille brought local fare.
Using a cellphone with light and recording footage of child Harper, 8, a third-grader, was Jason McLachlan of Northfield.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” McLachlan said of the experience.
Santa Claus made a grand appearance riding on the back of a fire engine and then presided over the shared countdown to flip the park holiday lights.
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Noelle Adams, 8, a second-grader from Northfield, visited with Santa Claus. What did Noelle ask Santa Claus?
“For the best Christmas ever,” Noelle said. For that, Noelle received an immediate kiss from her mother Jessica Adams.
Jon and Stephanie Lind of Northfield brought their children Mackenzie, 4, and Jonny, 2. Both parents are of the New Trier Township High School Class of 2006.
Each parent said in unison that they hoped for, “health and happiness,” for the holidays.
“I grew up here so we’re excited to be here,” Stephanie Lind said.
Liv McCabe, 8, a third-grader from Northfield, made s’mores and adores them, said Liv’s mother Tanya McCabe, who spoke about Liv enthusiastically within earshot of parent Scott McCabe.
“I have to tell you, her very favorite memory of every summer is s’mores,” Tanya McCabe said about Liv. “That is her number one memory.”
Scott McCabe thanked organizers and community partners.
“We appreciate the generosity,” Scott McCabe said.
“This is a wonderful family event,” Tanya McCabe added. “We appreciate it. It’s inclusive and we’re just happy to be a part of it.”
Mary Kunde of Northfield accompanied son Nick, 4. Nick wore a fun hat that had a light on it to switch on and off. For Christmas, Nick would like Santa to bring him, “a car that he can drive.” said his mother.
Of Holiday Fest, “This is wonderful, I love it,” Mary Kunde said. “It’s just the best community, everybody is so nice and giving and sweet. It is like a Hallmark movie.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.