Oak Lawn Kicks Off Holiday Season With Santa on the Green, Small Business Saturday

OAK LAWN, IL -- Residents donned their gay apparel and headed to Oak Lawn’s village green to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus for the official start of the holiday season.

The village was a beehive of activity with ice sculpture demonstrations, live reindeer, train rides, a vendor fair and celebration of Oak Lawn’s vibrant business community.

Youngsters and even a few dogs whispered their wishes into Santa’s ear at the gazebo. We were also struck by Mrs. Claus’s uncanny resemblance to Oak Lawn Village Clerk Jane Quinlan. It’s unfortunate that Oak Lawn police officer Dennis Kitching disappeared before Santa’s arrival on a fire engine. (Maybe next year, Dennis.)

According to the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, fun, well-managed festivals and events offer a host of economic and social benefits to communities fostering community pride and strengthening relationships.

Given by the smiles on everyone’s faces, Santa on the Green was a homerun for residents and Oak Lawn’s shops and businesses.