Christmas spirit comes to Dundee area this weekend
The gains of putting on the Dickens in Dundee festival far outweigh the $5,000 West Dundee trustees pay for it, said Village Manager Joe Cavallaro.
Not only does the money pay to keep a 22-year holiday tradition going, but it gives Dundee Township residents a chance to welcome the season no matter what the economy and stock markets are doing.
"This has always been a nice local offering," said Cavallaro. "People don't have to travel; they stay in the area and enjoy the parade, the living windows and the music performed by local groups. Dickens also gives local organizations exposure."
Without those groups, such as the Dundee Lions Club and area churches, the task of putting on the three-day festival, which starts Friday, Dec. 4, would be difficult, he said. Lion members sponsor the Festival of Trees, a decorating contest area schoolchildren participate in Grafelman Park. And the churches sponsor such events as a cookie walk, craft fair and a gingerbread house party.
Many of the events for Dickens in Dundee are free. They start at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 when East Dundee officials light their holiday tree at the Dundee Township Tourism Center, along North River Street. An hour later, West Dundee trustees will light their tree at the village hall, 102 S. Second St. Both events are free.
Also, no fee will be charged for viewing the living windows displays along Main Street stores. Front windows will decorated with holiday scenes of years past.
Also free will be the Spirit of Christmas Parade, which will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 along Second Street in West Dundee. Marchers, including Santa, will walk and ride along Route 72 to North River Street in East Dundee. Groups that want to march in the parade, should call the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800.
Other events are planned for later in the day at Grafelman Park are Santa's petting zoo and an activities tent.
The First Congregational Church of Dundee, on Route 31, will sponsor cookie walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The First United Methodist Church, along West Main Street, will hold he gingerbread house making party from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A $7 donation will be collected from participants.
The crowd in Grafelman Park will notice another holiday tradition at the festival: the Lions Club Christmas tree sale, which began Nov. 27.
The stand will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a. m. to 6 p.m. Final sale days are Dec. 14 and 15. The money the group collects will be spent to programs members sponsor during the year.
The festival will conclude at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 with a Christmas Carol Sing-Along at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. A united choir composed of several church choirs will lead audience members in singing popular favorites. A rehearsal will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Visit dickensindundee.org for a complete schedule of events.
If you go
What: Dickens in Dundee, a nostalgic holiday celebration in West Dundee
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6
Where: Many events take place in Grafelman Park, on Main Street between 4th and 5th streets; see schedule online for complete list of locations
How much? Admission is free; there is a fee for some crafts
Details: Call (847) 551-3800 or visit dickensindundee.org.