Celebrate the Season at Winter Wonderland

You better watch out! You better not cry! Santa Claus is coming to town!

The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, the Des Plaines Park District, and the Frisbie Senior Center will host the annual Winter Wonderland, a two-day, free family festival, December 6 and 7, at the Frisbie Senior Center. The fest runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, and features free pictures with Santa; entertainment; kids’ crafts, kid’s bingo, and face painting; a Holiday Bazaar; story time; delicious food and hot cocoa; model train displays; and everyone’s favorite walk-around characters. “Spend a few magical days with family and friends,” Linda Traina, Superintendent of Recreation, said. “This is the perfect way to ring in a joyful holiday season.”

Saturday’s entertainment includes: 10:00am: Willows Academy Chamber Choir; 11:30am: Trio Ensemble playing Christmas favorites; 1:00pm: the Des Plaines Park District’s In-house Dance Company, Artistry in Motion, will showcase highlights from their upcoming Winter Spectacular. The Park District’s youth performing troupe, the Footnotes will take the stage as well. At 2:30pm Award-winning musical humorist and balloon artist Rick Kelley will round out the day’s entertainment.

Sunday’s entertainment includes: 10:00am: the Iroquois School Youth Orchestra performing holiday music; 11:00am: BGFolk-Club Verea will display traditional Bulgarian folk dance and music; 12:30pm: the McNulty School of Irish Dance continue the international flare with traditional Irish dance in authentic costumes; 2:00pm: the Des Plaines Park District’s performing troupe, the Footnotes take the stage; 2:15pm: Children’s singer entertainer, Super Stolie is back for another year at the Des Plaines Winter Wonderland Festival. The Des Plaines Park District will be hosting fun Christmas Karaoke in-between acts.

On both Saturday and Sunday, balloon artist, Matthew Scherer will twist up some amazing creations; and children can have their face painted, play bingo and other games. Local artists will display beautiful hand-made holiday crafts and gifts at the Holiday Bazaar, and delicious food is available for purchase at the Cumberland Café. Your favorite walk-around characters will be here during the two-day festival. Bring your camera! Saturday, from 10:00am–1:00pm, see Kiwi the Clown and Truckie. Sunday, see Skates at 10:30am, Ronald McDonald at 3:00pm, and Jewels the Clown from 1:00–4:00pm. There will be special appearances throughout the weekend by Elsa from Disney’s Frozen.

“In the spirit of the season, we will also have a food drive to benefit the Self Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines,” said Traina. “As we come together to celebrate, we hope that folks bring in a non-perishable food item to aid the many people living right here in Des Plaines who are in need. In exchange for a donation, the Cumberland Café will pour up a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.”

Admission to the festival is free, parking is free at the Frisbie Center and Lattof Y, and all entertainment, games, crafts, events, and photo opportunities are free. The Frisbie Senior Center is located at 52 E. Northwest Highway in Des Plaines, one block west of Mount Prospect Road.

For more information, visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

You better watch out! You better not cry! You better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town!

Photos: Lisa Haring