Montgomery, IL – The more, the merrier. Montgomery Merry & Bright lights up the night starting Sunday, December 3. Festivities begin with the Tree Lighting and visit with Santa at 5P on Sunday, December 3, in front of Village Hall (200 N. River St). The event will feature Santa, giveaways, musical performances, and the opening of the Festival of Trees, which will run through December 28 at Village Hall and along River Street.
Together with the Greater Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce (GMACC), the Village of Montgomery has hosted this event for twenty-seven years. The annual Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa event will kick off the festivities on Sunday, December 3, with Santa and Mrs. Claus's grand arrival on the Montgomery-Countryside Fire District fire engine just after 5:00P on River Street. Santa and Village President Brolley will be lighting the Village tree this year and another 25 trees along the street, decorated by local businesses and organizations. Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head indoors at Village Hall for visits and pictures, along with the Oswego East Tri-M Music Honor Society, who will perform in the Board Room for those waiting in line or looking to warm up. In addition, guests can watch live musical performances outdoors from local Nicholson Elementary and Oswego East Jazz Ensemble students and enjoy professional strolling carolers, the Festive Singers, along River Street.
The 200 Block of North River Street businesses are also in on the festivities. Guests can wander to Atrevete Confections (216 N. River St.) for a free hot chocolate or head to Gray's Mill Estate (211 N. River St.) for a cookie. Organizations like the Rotary Club of Montgomery will also be onsite in the Village Hall Multi-Purpose Room with giveaways, crafts for kids, and 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 located at Village Hall for families needing food throughout the year. The Toys for Tots Kendall County will also have collection bins at the Hall during the event for those interested in donating a new toy for a child this holiday season.
The event, parking, and activities are free thanks to our sponsors: Ozinga, Waubonsee Community College, Orchard Road Animal Hospital, The Gray's Mill Estate, and the many business partners who have agreed to fund an outdoor tree and activity.
A few outdoor tree spaces are available for the Festival of Trees. Businesses, families, or organizations looking to support this event or show some holiday spirit can visit the Village website to find out more or email rboeing@montgomeryil.org. Space is limited, first-come, first-served.
For more information on the event, visit montgomeryil.org or the Village's Facebook Page.