Dickens in Dundee unites residents with holiday spirit

With determination, the Dickens in Dundee festival will not fade away.

Planning has already started for this year's two-day holiday festival. A six-member committee has been formed and volunteers are stepping forward with promises to help.

"That's making my life a lot easier," said Peggy Fahy, who's heading the planning committee. "We're still working on what events will be held, but that will be finalized soon."

They have to be. She and other committee members have about four weeks until the start of the Nov. 30 festival.

The holiday parade will definitely return, as will the living windows exhibit and horse-drawn carriage rides.

"Churches are becoming an important part of the festival," said Joe Cavallaro, West Dundee village manager. "Each one of them are planning their own events."

This is the second year West Dundee will sponsor Dickens in Dundee. Last year, its leaders took over the holiday party when the Dundee Jaycees, its previous sponsors, disbanded due to declining membership.

Village trustees pared the festival from three to two days and leaned on the community to keep it going.

That push gave it enough momentum so it would not be lost for even a year, said Barb Haines, a West Dundee employee and another organizer.

"We couldn't let it end. It's become a tradition in Dundee Township," she said. "The holiday season couldn't start without Dickens in Dundee."

And it also has become a tradition to keep it from fading away. Nearly 20 years ago, the festival was started by the defunct Dundee Chamber of Commerce. Dundee Jaycee members helped with its planning, as did other organizations, such as Dundee Township Historical Society and the Dundee Lions Club.

Through the years the list of clubs grew along with its appeal. The short parade grew longer, along with the list of events. Past festivals have included community tree lightings, ice-sculpting exhibits, gingerbread house-making lessons, community caroling and free holiday movies.

East Dundee trustees have always added to the events by hosting their own tree lighting ceremonies and craft-making lessons. They will be contacted this year to see if they want to help with the tradition.

"We built up a good base of volunteers last year. They will make it easier to plan this year," Cavallaro said.

Residents who want to volunteer or clubs that want to march in the Saturday parade are urged to call the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800.