Last year, the longtime Montgomery tradition, the annual tree lighting at Village Hall, got a makeover. The event is just one of several holiday celebrations the Village calls Montgomery Merry & Bright. This year the event enhancements will continue with the Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa to take place at 5P on Sunday, December 4, in front of Village Hall (200 N. River St). The event will feature Santa, giveaways, musical performances, and the unveiling of the Festival of Trees which will run through December 30 at Village Hall and along River Street.
Together with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce (GMACC), the Village of Montgomery has hosted this event for twenty-six years. The annual Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa event will kick off the activities on Sunday, December 4, with Santa and Mrs. Claus's grand arrival on the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire engine just after 5P on River Street. Santa and Village President Brolley will be lighting the Village tree this year and another 20 trees along the street, decorated by local businesses and organizations. Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head indoors at Village Hall for visits and pictures, along with the Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society, who will perform in the Board Room for those waiting in line or looking to warm up from the outdoors. In addition, guests can watch live musical performances outdoors from local Nicholson Elementary and Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, along River Street.
The 200 Block of North River Street businesses are also in on the festivities. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections (216 N. River St.) and pick up a free hot chocolate or head to Gray's Mill Estate (211 N. River St.) for cookies. Plus, organizations like the Rotary Club of Montgomery will be onsite in the Village Hall Multi-Purpose Room with giveaways, crafts for kids, and letters to Santa. Additionally, the Rotary will give a special treat to children who bring non-perishable items to fill up the Rotary Free Little Pantry located at Village Hall for families in need of food throughout the year. The Toys for Tots Kendall County also will have collection bins at the Hall during the event for those interested in donating a new toy for a child this holiday season.
The event, parking, and activities are all free thanks to event sponsors: US Medical Glove, Ozinga, Waubonsee Community College, The Lakone Company, Orchard Road Animal Hospital, MetroNet, and many businesses who have agreed to fund an outdoor tree and activity.
A few outdoor tree spaces are available for the Festival of Trees. Businesses, families, or organizations looking to support this event or show some holiday spirit can visit the Village website to find out more or email knemetz@montgomeryil.org. Space is limited, first-come, first-served.
For more information on the event, visit montgomeryil.org or the Village's Facebook Page.