Elgin rings in the holiday season with festive ceremony
With the flip of a switch, the holiday season began Saturday evening at Festival Park in Elgin.
The spirit of the holidays was evident as residents and visitors gathered together with Mayor David Kaptain to light a 25-foot Christmas tree.
The Elgin Childrens Choir and the Larkin High School Jazz Ensemble performed during the ceremony.
To the joy of children of all ages, Santa arrived on an Elgin fire truck for the festivities.
Children who write a letter to Santa and drop it off in the mailbox located in front of the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin (100 Symphony Way, Elgin) will receive a letter back from Santa himself! No postage (stamps) required, but a sealed envelope with a return address is needed to receive a response. Santa's mailbox is in place now through Friday, Dec. 15. All letters will be mailed out the week before Christmas.