This Saturday, December 5, the City of Highwood is turning Everts Park into a Norman Rockwell painting. I think it will be this one:
Stockbridge at Christmas
The Highwood community has invited over 300 military men and women stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base and Fort Sheridan Reserve to join in their celebration of “Highwood for Holidays.”
Everts Park will become the fabled “Winter Wonderland” of stage, screen and song. An ice rink, sleigh rides, a Kris Kringle Market, holiday music, movies, food and photos with Santa. (My sources tell me that this is the real Santa.) And you can build a snowman (and pretend that he is Parson Brown) and watch the snow sculpture competition. More good news; The “Highwood for the Holiday’s” Santa’s house is heated and will stay up all season as a warming house alongside the new Ice Rink!
I know what you’re thinking. What if there is no snow? Does Highwood think it can luck out with the weather like it did for its fabulous Pumpkin Carving Festival? They aren’t taking the chance. Highwood will be making their own snow. Actually Snowmaking by Sturm of Lake Geneva are donating their services.
Johnny Depp in "Sturm" Snow
By the way, Sturm makes snow for movies, TV and commercials. Dieter Sturm won a Scientific & Technical Achievement Academy Award for the development of biodegradable snow for the motion picture industry.
Greg Jackson, city manager of Highwood and a Marine is the force behind the event. “The holiday season is a time to celebrate with loved ones and friends. As a Marine that experienced being away from home during the holidays, I know it can be a trying time for a young adult. We wanted to do something special as a community for the men and women serving our country, whom we owe so much.”
“We are encouraging all members of Highwood and our surrounding communities to come out and show their appreciation to the military men and women who stand in uniform to protect and defend the liberties, and the way of life, we so dearly cherish,”
Everts Park is located behind the Highwood Post Office. “Highwood for the Holidays” takes place from 10 am to 7 pm. There will be a tree lighting ceremony at 4:30. The City of Highwood will host an exclusive dinner in honor of its military guests at 5:30 pm at the Oak Terrace Elementary School, 240 Prairie Avenue.
But wait there’s more. Are you going to be in Highwood in the next few days? How about giving our military a little walking around money?
Last year's festivities
The City of Highwood will be handing out gift certificates to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines when they get to the park around 11 am. These will be redeemable at various food and retail establishments throughout the city.
This a timely event, The President reminded us last night that the military will continue to be in harm’s way for years. Regardless of your position on the decision,help create a community for the men and women who serve in the military in our area.