Special Events: Lighting Ceremony

The cold didn’t keep the crowds away from the Des Plaines Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Friday, December 5, 2008 in Metropolitan Square, downtown Des Plaines. Entertainment was provided by Elk Grove High School Towne Criers, under the direction of Renee DeJager, the Willows Academy Chamber Choir, under the direction of Karen Wilberg, and the Maine West Warrior Band, under the baton of Band Director Bernie Gerstmayr and the Des Plaines Park District Dance Troupes Artistry in Motion and Aim2. Mayor Tony Arredia and City Clerk Donna McAllister flipped a giant switch, which lit up the entire downtown including Gholiday trees, provided by the Des Plaines Optimist Club and decorated by local school children. Refreshments were provided by Sysco Foods, Panera Bread, Spa Di Da, Winestyles, Chiro One, and Shop & Save. Local Metro Square merchants opened their doors adding to the Open House atmosphere.

This year’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony Committee consisted of the following: Tom Becker, Resident Volunteer, Marty Moylan, 2nd Ward Alderman, Sandra Norlin, Des Plaines Public Library, Heather Imhoff, Des Plaines Public Library, Mindy Ward, School District 62, Linda Forman, Des Plaines Special Events Commission, Sister Clare Marie, Des Plaines Special Events Commission, Donna Catlett, Mayor’s Office, Tim Veit, Des Plaines Police Department, Gene Haring, Des Plaines Park District, Gayle Mountcastle, Des Plaines Park District, Matt Dusckett, Des Plaines Public Works, John Laux, Des Plaines Public Works, Katy Hanzlik, Des Plaines Public Works, Allen Alderman, Des Plaines Public Works, Steve Dwojakowski, Des Plaines Public Works, Barbara Ryan, Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Joy Matthiessen, Des Plaines History Center, William Soderberg, Des Plaines Media Services Division, and Karen Kozenczak, Des Plaines Public Relations.

Resident Tom Becker, Chairman of the City’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony Committee, introduces City Officials prior to the Official Lighting. Mayor Tony Arredia and City Clerk Donna McAllister pulled a giant switch that lit up the downtown including numerous trees decorated by local school students.

Members of the Maine West High School Warrior Band perform at the Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The group traditionally performs at the event, which is coordinated by the City and various agencies.

Tree Lighting Photo Album

Science & Arts Academy	Plainfield Elementary School
Elk Grove High School	Algonquin Junior High
Des Plaines Home Schoolers	SPARK
Terrace Elementary School	The Willows Academy
Maine West High School	Iroquois Community School
Resurrection High School	Orchard Place Elementary School
Devonshire Elementary School	Central Elementary School
Brentwood Elementary School	South Elementary School
Immanuel Lutheran	Cumberland Elementary School
Chippewa Middle School	Forest Elementary School
North Elementary School	St. Emily's School
St. Zachary's School	Our Lady of Destiny

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City of Des Plaines,  1420 Miner St.  Des Plaines, IL  60016  Phone: 847-391-5300    City Hall hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday – Friday      All information copyright 2010 Des Plaines, IL