Lemont Ushers in Season with Hometown Holiday Festivities

In the past decade, annual Hometown Holiday celebration has blossomed from a tree lighting ceremony with hot cocoa and cookies to hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.

And this weekend, the popular holiday event makes its way back into town.

From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday in Lemont’s historic downtown, attendees can enjoy carolers, horse-drawn wagon rides, visits and pictures with Santa, a variety of children’s activities, a performance by the Allegro Dancers, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies provided by Lemont Girl Scout Service Unit 724, and ice sculpting demonstrations.

The annual tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m. in Budnik Plaza.

Village officials hope to see a large turnout for the celebration.

“A lot of it is weather-driven,” said Donna Pecina, marketing coordinator for the village of Lemont. “And we’re looking at good weather this Saturday from what I’ve seen. We have to keep our fingers crossed.”

During the Hometown Holiday celebration, attendees can also send some holiday greetings to the troops overseas.

The Lemont Girl Scouts are sponsoring the inaugural “Christmas Cards to Heroes” program. They will supply all the cards, paper and writing utensils, and the community is invited to stop by , 102 Stephen St., and write a note to the soldiers.

“It’s something different — we haven’t done it before,” Pecina said. “I think it’s a really nice thing to do for the men and women out there serving our country and away from home this holiday season. I’m hoping we get a lot of folks to (make a card).”

For the holiday season, about 20 local organizations and businesses have adopted and decorated trees which are placed throughout the downtown for viewing.

The community can also get a jumpstart on their Christmas shopping on Friday, Dec. 9, by attending the village's annual Midnight Madness.

Participating merchants will hold extended shopping hours from 6 p.m. to midnight. There will also be arts and crafts vendors. The Choir will begin at 7 p.m.
                   
For more information on Hometown Holiday, contact the Village of Lemont at 630-243-2700 or visit www.lemont.il.us. For more information on Midnight Madness, contact Michelle Zaper at 630-514-6642.

Hometown Holiday Schedule

2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tree decorating throughout town, ice sculpting, horsedrawn wagon rides, facepainting, children's activities, "Christmas Cards to Heroes"

4 p.m. Performance by the Allegro Dancers in Budnik Plaza

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Visits with Santa Claus at , 316 Canal St.

4:30 p.m. Christmas caroling in Budnik Plaza, featuring the Lemont Girl Scouts

5 p.m. Tree lighting ceremony