The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District introduced a new element to the village’s Celebrate the Season event on Nov. 30: a bonfire. For Flossmoor Events Manager Stephanie Wright and the residents who attended, the timing was perfect.
The temperature was in the mid-20s as the activities began during the afternoon. By the time of the tree lighting ceremony, about 5:30 p.m., the temperature had dropped and the breeze made it feel like it was in the teens.
Although Wright thought the turnout was a little less than usual during the afternoon, by the time Santa Claus and Mayor Michelle Nelson prepared to switch on the tree lights, a few hundred people had gathered in Flossmoor Park.
“We must really like each other to be out here on a sub-20-degree evening,” Nelson said as she greeted the crowd. “It has been an incredible year celebrating our 100th birthday with everything from international recognition for our Hidden Gem Half Marathon to regional awards for our inclusive events such as Juneteenth, Chamber Night and Bike the Gem. Thank you all so much for being just such an important part of all of these events and festivals.”
Nelson then unrolled her long list of people, organizations and businesses to thank for the holiday celebration and all the centennial events before leading the crowd in a countdown for the tree lighting.
Earlier, those residents who weren’t gathered around the bonfire found other ways to keep warm. A dozen kids convened a pickup football game on the lawn east of the Park Place warming house.
In Park Place, kids were making holiday decorations and writing letters to Santa. Members of the Community Relations Commission were offering free mini-cupcakes and taking donations of coats for Open Access.
Outside, near the community Christmas tree, representatives of Flossmoor Service League were promoting the organization’s luminary fundraiser. Luminaries lined the sidewalk around the park.
Next to FSL was a hot chocolate table operated by the Flossmoor Firebirds traveling softball team.
And as always, Homewood-Flossmoor High School singers performed holiday favorites to set the mood before the tree lighting.
