La Grange is gearing up for the holiday season with its annual schedule of Hometown Holidays Events.
“The Holiday season is one of the most dazzling times of the year for downtown La Grange,” Nancy Cummings, Executive Director of the La Grange Business Association, said in a recent interview.
This year’s celebration, sponsored by several area businesses, including Presenting Sponsor Dubak Electrical Group, marks the 31st edition of the annual Holiday Walk and is designed to not only honor the Holidays, but give local business owners a boost.
“The fourth quarter is really a focal point for small businesses and our efforts this year begin with the Holiday Digital Wish Book and run through the Holiday season,” Cummings said.
The Digital Wish Book is in its third year, and begins in the middle of November, consisting of a digital flip book listing special deals from local retailers.
The Wish Book, sponsored by Horton’s Ace Hardware, can be accessed through the LGBA’s website at lagrangeevents.com, and includes special deals from local retailers and restaurants.
But, as Cummings noted, people like to get out and shop, allowing them to interact with store staff, friends, and neighbors. That’s where the flash sale on Small Business Saturday comes in.
Small Business Saturday, sponsored by JAYNE, women’s boutique, is Nov. 26, when local businesses will hold a flash sale from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with special offers and deep discounts for the time period.
Christmas Carolers for a Cause will serenade shoppers in the downtown business district from Small Business Saturday until the La Grange Holiday Walk on December 3.
Local restaurants will offer special drinks, including eggnog and hot toddies throughout the season.
The La Grange Holiday Walk runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and begins with the traditional gathering of revelers at the La Grange Village Hall, where visitors can join the Lyons Township High School Madrigal Singers for a group sing.
Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., compliments of the La Grange Fire Department, whose members traditionally deliver Santa and his wife in a Village Fire Truck to Village Hall to meet with children and preside over the lighting of the Holiday Tree.
There will be the traditional trolley rides throughout downtown, a petting zoo and pony rides, and ice sculptures.
The La Grange Train Station will host Letters to Santa, while the Stone Avenue Station will have the Frozen Princess.
For its second year, presenting sponsor Dubak Electrical Group will sponsor the lighting of the Christmas tree.
For further information on La Grange’s Hometown Holidays events, visit the LGBA website: lagrangeevents.com.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
This story has been corrected.
