The 2022 version of Glencoe’s Light the Lights drew hundreds of people to the village’s downtown in the late afternoon of the day after Thanksgiving.
That group included Alma Ludwig, her husband Christopher Hayes and their two-year-old daughter, Eliana.
“We love it,” Ludwig said. “It’s better than we expected. We didn’t think it would be this crowded. There are lots of free and fun events and you get to see a lot of families around.”
They were part of the Light the Lights celebration on Nov. 25 featuring traditional elements including a visit from Santa Claus, trackless trains encircling the village and plenty of hot chocolate to sip.
The band, Rosie & the Rivets, had people dancing to 50s and 60s music outside Village Hall providing entertainment in the mild temperatures for late November as booths were set up by local businesses and the representatives of the village’s Council for Inclusion and Community providing insight on its goals.
While there were many customary elements held over from previous years, there were changes this year as Santa decided he had enough cold weather at the North Pole home so this year he greeted children inside in the warmth of the Writers Theatre lobby.
Santa’s visitor included Addison, 9 and Avery Bromwich, 5.
“The village gets together to celebrate and the kids get to see Santa, Frozen characters and have hot chocolate,” their mother, Laura Bromwich said.
Characters from the theatrical production of “Frozen” posed for pictures outside Writers Theatre and the village changed the center of activities from the previous spot of Park and Vernon Avenues to Wyman Green, the space outside Village Hall, hoping to cut down on some walking for the attendees.
“We wanted to try something different. I like this better,” Village President Howard Roin said.
Early on in the festivities, Roin delivered a brief speech to the crowd, saying, “I’m proud that Glencoe is a community of people who care.”
Soon his grandson Max, 3, lit the ceremonial light after a countdown, drawing a roar from the crowd with Roin quick to add why he likes the event.
“This is a chance for this to be a fun place,” Roin said.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
