The magic of the holiday traveled down Ravinia Avenue late Sunday afternoon for Orland Park’s inaugural holiday parade, which saw children sitting along the street wide-eyed with anticipation.
Many parents watched to see their child perform, including Denee Conner, whose daughter Charlotte, a member of the Orland Park Dance Company, danced dressed in red and waving a plastic candy cane.
“Holidays are so important, there is nothing like enjoying time with family and friends,” said Conner. “After these last two years, we need it.”
Iris Carrero, a new resident of Orland Park, could not wait to attend the holiday parade and tree lighting with grandsons Josiah and Elijah, who enjoyed watching a performance by Ernesto Marquez and his miniature horse.
“My grandson’s wanted to see horses today and now we have,” Carrero said. “They are really looking forward in meeting Santa.”
As singers, performers and lighted trucks passed, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau stopped along the parade route to wish everyone well and to pass out candy.
“The holidays seem to bring out the best in people” Pekau said. “We treat people better and we get to see family that we don’t get to see any other times of the year.”
Nabeha Zegar, communications and marketing manager of Orland Park, estimated more than 2,500 people attended the parade and tree lighting.
Many residents and guests stopped by the Village Commons throughout the day. In the parking lot the Orland Park Lions Club sold Christmas trees. The Lion’s have been raising funds for almost 30 years in Orland Park.
Judy Jacobs and her sister Lynn Jones have co-chaired the tree sale for four years.
“We enjoy doing this because the holidays mean so much,” Jacobs said. “Spending time with family and good friends, giving and sharing and trying to make it a good feeling all around.”
The organization had 528 trees delivered, and as of Sunday more than 300 had been sold.
“Hoping we sell the rest next weekend, everyone hurry up and get your tree,” Jacobs said. “Our volunteers cut the trees, trim the trees, put netting on them and put them in or on top of your car, all included in the price.”
This year, the tree sales is the only Lions Club fundraiser. The organization had to cancel other events due to COVID-19.
“The Lions Club give back to the community 100%,” said Jacobs. “Their specialty is helping with eyes and hearing. When people come out to purchase a tree it goes back to the community to support the Lion.”
Many of the volunteer’s came from Andrew and Sandburg high schools. Andrew student Michael Smith, from Orland Park, enjoyed helping out Sunday.
“I volunteer because holidays are very important to help others. It’s also about spending time with family and I love spending time with my family,” Smith said.
Last year, the club sold all its trees within two weeks.
Molly Kapturski, of Orland Park, said her family comes to all the local events.
“Our family is so excited to have the parade this year,” Kapturski said. “This whole night has been fun for all of us with the festivities, meeting Santa, seeing all the lights and just being part of our community.”
Her 3-year-old daughter, Ava, held a light up wand.
“I love the holidays through my daughter’s eyes now, the joy, the gifting and the love,” Kapturski said.
Mary Compton is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
