WC_120618

4 | December 6, 2018 | The winnetka Current NEWS
winnetkacurrent.com
Holidays begin with tree lighting, market in Winnetka
Alexa Burnell
Freelance Reporter
Village President Chris Rintz turns on the switch to
light the holiday tree lights.
A large crowd of residents enjoy the Christmas carols.
A holly, jolly good time
was had by all on the eve
of Friday, Nov. 30, thanks
to the Winnetka-Northfield
Chamber of Commerce
for hosting the Annual
Holiday Market and
Tree Lighting.
The night began at Station
Park, where 18 local
vendors set up shop showcasing
their goods while
mingling with residents,
setting the stage for the
festive season ahead.
“With the holiday season
in full swing, we want
to remind residents about
the many great local businesses
right in our hometown,”
said Pam Faulkner,
chamber board president.
“Tonight is a wonderful
opportunity for business
owners to meet new people.
We want to remind
everyone that when you
shop local, the entire village
benefits. We always
say, ‘Put your money
where your house is.’”
During the event, the
Winnetka Park District
distributed complimentary
hot cocoa, cider
and cookies, while local
choirs sang holiday music,
giving the evening
that small town, cozy and
festive feel.
Vendors, like Courtney
Stewart and Donna Vitaliano
of D/V Studio 11,
who recently transferred
to Winnetka from Northfield,
enjoyed the chance
to be part of the mix.
“This is a lovely event
allowing us to meet new
people and tell them about
our new shop in town,”
Vitaliano said. “What a
great way to unite residents
with their local
business owners.”
Similarly, Ed Sullivan,
who was on hand to
give samples of Hoffherr
Meat’s chili, also enjoyed
the chance to share treats
with the village.
“What a nice night to
be here, meeting residents
face-to-face, enjoying
the festive season ahead.
When we first learned
about the event, we were
eager to become involved,
looking forward to celebrating
the holidays with
the community. I think the
chamber has done a nice
job at highlighting the
great local businesses,”
Sullivan added.
Representatives, like
Rhonda Faith Miller from
the Winnetka Club, were
also present. She handed
out cookies and embraced
all that her hometown has
to offer.
“A night like tonight reminds
us all that Winnetka
is more than just a place to
eat, sleep and go to school.
Winnetka’s Caroline Craig (left), 9, and her sister Charlotte pose for a photo at the
Holiday Market and Tree Lighting Friday, Nov. 30, at Station Park. Photos by Rhonda
Holcomb/22nd Century Media
Santa Claus arrives on a Winnetka fire truck to greet his visitors.
Winnetka is our home;
this evening reminds us
all of the wonderful sense
of community that exists
here,” Miller said.
After guests had their
fill of cookies, cider, hot
cocoa and shopping opportunities,
all attention
was directed to the lovely
pine tree adorned with
ornaments carrying the
name of the business registered
with the chamber.
When the night sky fully
darkened, the tree was set
aglow by Village President
Chris Rintz, reminding
all to enjoy the season
by celebrating local business
owners.