The 40th Annual Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration took place Friday, Nov. 29 at historic Market Square accompanied by chilly temperatures and a dusting of snow.
The late afternoon event, presented by The Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation and sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, offered live music, kids’ activities, food and beverages, carolers, Lake Forest Dance Academy dancers, visits with Santa Claus, all culminating in a 5 p.m. tree lighting.
“This downtown festival really creates a Hallmark movie moment,” Rick Amos, event coordinator and Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation board member said.
“Families gather for visits and photos with Santa and to see the spectacle of the 40-foot evergreen tree and all of the trees along the square alight – that’s really the moment you feel the holiday season come to life,” Amos said.
According to Amos, the event has become a cherished tradition. Open and free for all, it attracts Lake Forest residents, their friends, and family visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as those from neighboring communities like Lake Bluff, Highland Park, and Lincolnshire.
On Friday, all streets and sidewalks remained accessible to pedestrians in downtown Lake Forest, and Market Square and Western Avenue between Deerpath and Westminster were closed to vehicular traffic during the event.
Lake Foresters are proud of the iconic Market Square, originally designed by famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, and first opened in 1916.
“Market Square is known to be the first planned shopping center in the United States, this creates a quaint atmosphere for the event, rooted in community history and beloved traditions,” Amos said.
Cecilia Zumpano attended Friday with her family.
“As a long-time Lake Forest business owner, I think this is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the season, nothing better than all ages coming together for a spirited celebration,” Zumpano said.
Afternoon and evening highlights included a holiday movie showing at the Gorton Community Center, visits and pictures with Santa Claus, live performances by the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra and Lake Forest High School Festival Brass Ensemble, a caroling concert by the Lake Forest High School Choristers, a Lake Forest Dance Academy performance, and a welcome message by Lake Forest Mayor Dr. Stanford “Randy” Tack.
This year’s honored guest, Ara Goshgarian, accompanied by his family, tripped the switch setting the Market Square Christmas tree lights ablaze.
Goshgarian, a Lake Forest City Council Member whose term expires this spring, was given the lighting honor in gratitude for his service.
Along with the tree lighting celebration, the Lake Forest Holiday Think Local Pop-Up Shop also opened Friday at 270 Market Square, offering gift ideas to support many nonprofits and charities in the local community, and shopping hours throughout the holiday season.
Joanna Rolek, executive director of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce says the ‘Think Local Pop-Up Shop’ is a collaboration between the City of Lake Forest and the Chamber and provides a way to give back to the community during the holidays.
“There are 21 non-profits that will participate this year and every cent of every sale will go directly to benefit those organizations,” Rolek said.
Nonprofits and charities, such as Artists on the Bluff, Church of the Holy Spirit, Citadel Theatre, Elawa Farm Foundation, Midwest Veterans Closet, and others, participated.
More Top Picks Best Scalp Massagers For Migraines
The Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration has been an enduring tradition for 40 years, well-supported by community sponsors and by the residents.
“With the train station just adjacent to Market Square, it’s magical when the trains pass through during the event and passengers hear the carols and see the lights as they pass by,” Amos said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.