Montgomery is getting ready to kick-off the holiday season in style on Sunday.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will descend from a Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire truck at 5 p.m. at 200 N. River St. in Montgomery to take part in the official lighting of the village’s Christmas tree.
The tree will be decorated with ornaments earlier in the day by local children.
The community tree lighting has marked the start of the holiday season in Montgomery for the past 27 years. The event is hosted by the village along with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
Village President Matt Brolley and Santa will officially light the village’s Christmas tree along with another 25 trees along the street, decorated by local businesses and organizations.
After the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will go inside Village Hall for visits and pictures.
The Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society will perform in the Board Room in Village Hall for those waiting in line or looking to warm up.
Organizations like the Rotary Club of Montgomery will be in the Village Hall multi-purpose room with giveaways, crafts for kids and to help children with letters to Santa. Additionally, the Rotary will give a special treat to children who bring non-perishable items to fill up the Rotary Free Little Pantry at Village Hall for families needing food throughout the year.
The Toys for Tots Kendall County will also have collection bins at Village Hall during the event for those interested in donating a new toy for a child this holiday season.
Businesses in the 200 block of North River Street are also in on the festivities. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections at 216 N. River St. for a free hot chocolate or head to Gray’s Mill Estate at 211 N. River St. for a cookie during the festival.
In addition, guests can watch live musical performances outdoors from Nicholson Elementary and Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, along River Street, event organizers said.
The Sunday event also marks the official opening of the Festival of Trees, which will run through Dec. 28 at Village Hall and along River Street.
The festival features trees decorated by over a dozen community groups. Ballots are available and visitors are asked for their vote for the best decorated tree.
Judy Pochel is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
