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player ready...The sold out Winter Wonderland Train Ride over two consecutive weekend days starting on Dec. 16 took 200 registrants from Glenview’s The Glen train station to the North Pole and back.
North Pole (Libertyville) was also the venue for the group brunch with Santa Claus at Egg Harbor Cafe, a short walk from the Libertyville Metra train station. The Glenview Park District presented the paid events.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Metra and Egg Harbor of Libertyville to revive this event from before the pandemic,” said Amanda Giacomino, Park Center preschool director for the Glenview Park District.
“This is the first time that the Glenview Park District has run an event like this since 2019.
“It brings us great excitement to bring this event back to the Glenview community, offering an enjoyable experience to our residents,” Giacomino said.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, families were seen waiting excitedly for the train to arrive to The Glen.
During the journey to Libertyville, participants could listen to a classic story such as “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg and sing holiday carols. Children were seen ringing keepsake bells. Several students from the Glenbrook South High School Key Club volunteered.
At 1:42 p.m., overheard on the train’s loudspeaker was the announcement, “The next stop is the North Pole.”
Upon arrival in Libertyville, families disembarked the train and strolled a block or so up a small hill to Egg Harbor Café, where families dined together while awaiting Santa’s arrival.
Santa made a grand entrance at the Lake County restaurant, and posed for multiple photo opportunities. Santa Claus was naturally in front of the grand procession back to the Libertyville train station and rode back with families. Surprises along the journey included a special gift from Santa before departing.
Ken and Kimberly Kraft of Glenview accompanied children Benji Kraft, 9, a fourth grader, Hope, 7, a second grader and Cece, 4.
For Christmas from Santa Claus, Cece is asking Santa for Bluey (television) animated show toys, plus, “surprises” the tot said with a giggle.
“I want a Barbie car that you can, like, control,” Hope said, showing how her hands would move a remote control for the dolls taking a drive.
“I want Jordans,” Benji said about what he would like for Christmas, Air Jordan sneakers, that is, made famous by basketball Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.
“I don’t know what color,” Benji said about the Michael Jordan athletic shoes. “Santa’s going to surprise me.”
Brandon Konchan, 6, a first grader from Glenview, experienced the Sunday afternoon journey with his parents Andy and Irina Konchan. Brandon’s grandparent Yelena Aleinik, also from Glenview, came along for the ride for a family memory-maker.
Andy Konchan hoped that Brandon “has a nice Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.”
Brandon would like Santa Claus to bring him, “a remote control crane.”
Gavin Lee, 9, a fourth grader from Northbrook, rode with his parents Kenny and Michelle Lee. Gavin’s sibling Patrick Lee, 13, an eighth grader, did not attend due to studying for final exams.
Both of Gavin’s parents wished for, “good health,” for their family.
Of the train ride, “Oh my gosh, we are so excited, we’ve been looking forward to this day for, I don’t know, a year maybe,” Michelle Lee said.
About seeing Santa Claus, “I hope I’m on the nice list,” Kenny Lee said with a smile.
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While they were waiting for the train, parents Bridget Farrell and Jonathan Schlesinger of Glenview read a story to their children Addy, 3, and Henry, 6, a first grader.
For the holidays, Bridget Farrell wishes for, “just good memories,” with Jonathan Schlesinger adding another wish, being, “that everyone stays healthy.”
To Glenview Park District organizers (and to Metra), “Thank you for planning this,” Henry said.
And to all, Addy said, “Merry Christmas.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.