Diane Moca –

Nothing like a billion twinkling lights — and photos with a big teddy bear and even bigger tree — to spark holiday magic

December 5, 2022 at 7:34 p.m.

A sparkling array of color and the rising crescendo of "Let It Go" greeted visitors strolling into Jaycees Park Saturday night as young and old endured some frigid temperatures to...

Eddie Lesure, Tiffany Davidson and their son, Malaki, enjoy a moment during the annual trick-or-treat event in downtown Aurora Saturday.

Families get early start on Halloween at trick-or-treat event in downtown Aurora

October 30, 2022 at 12:28 p.m.

Downtown Aurora transformed into a Halloween paradise for hundreds of families who dressed in costumes and enjoyed sunny skies while visiting dozens of businesses that passed out free candy for...

Pro-choice rally at Naperville’s NCC urges voters to elect state Supreme Court justices who support abortion rights

October 22, 2022 at 12:34 p.m.

Fear, frustration and urgency were among the strong feelings expressed Friday by organizers and about 200 supporters at a Rally for Abortion Rights on the campus of Naperville's North Central...

Crowds pack Naperville’s Last Fling fest to soak up a little end-of-summer music, food and carnival rides

September 3, 2022 at 3:54 p.m.

In its fourth decade as an end-of-summer tradition in Naperville, Last Fling continues to evolve but not disappoint as thousands enjoyed food, drinks, rides, games, music and the feeling of...

Fest-goers welcome more space as Ribfest returns in a new location at the DuPage fairgrounds

June 18, 2022 at 1:11 p.m.

The sprawling 55 acres of the DuPage County Fairgrounds created a new vibe for a decades-old summer tradition as Ribfest debuted in its new location Friday night. After the loss...

Gone in a flash: Stampede of kids swoop up thousands of Easter eggs in flashlight hunt

April 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

"On your mark. Get set. Done." That's how Naperville Park District Program Manager Fred Gusel describes the flashlight egg hunt during which 80 kids ages 9 to 13 storm the...

Heartbreaker — Fans crushed by North Central Cardinals’ loss in NCAA Division III championship game

December 18, 2021 at 2:06 p.m.

The excitement of an undefeated season catapulting North Central College back to the NCAA Division III football championship game slowly fizzled Friday night as disappointed fans at The Lantern watched...

Naperville residents John and Kaylin Risvold and their 6-year-old daughter, Caroline, pose for a photo with Santa Saturday night before Santa started his trip through several Naperville neighborhoods to offer holiday greetings to those lined up along his route. John Risvold had the honor of being that night's "celebrity" Santa driver.

Santa uses a festively decorated flatbed truck to bring Christmas greetings to Naperville kids who line his path nightly

December 7, 2021 at 10:35 p.m.

Squeals of excitement filled the streets of Naperville Saturday night as Santa drove past hundreds of homes on a Christmas-themed flatbed truck, giving kids a chance to see Kris Kringle...

Naperville-area school districts host COVID-19 vaccine clinic for 2,000 students

November 13, 2021 at 4:15 p.m.

Parents and kids from Naperville District 203 and Indian Prairie District 204 schools shared hopeful plans for their future after streaming out of the COVID-19 vaccine clinic for elementary school...

Local actors and writers share their craft to scare visitors at All Hallows Eve

October 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

Menacing monsters, creepy clowns and wicked wizards invaded Naper Settlement Friday night during the annual two-day All Hallows Eve festival that showcases local talent performing scary scenes, thrilling feats and...

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