Oak Forest Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 3

OAK FOREST, IL – The City of Oak Forest invites residents, local business owners and visitors to its annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 3. The parade steps off from Oak Forest High School at 11 a.m. and makes its way down Central Avenue to City Hall for the tree lighting ceremony at the gazebo.

“I look forward to this event all year long,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa. “My family and I enjoy visiting with our neighbors and friends, listening to carols, and greeting Santa Claus. For me, the highlight is watching Santa come to town on our fire truck.”

During the tree lighting ceremony, residents will enjoy carols performed by local students; find out the winners of the annual trim-a-tree contest; and take part in Relay for Life Oak Forest’s luminaria service. Residents can purchase luminaria bags to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those battling the disease by contacting Relay for Life Luminaria Coordinator Jane Bukowski at jbukowski51@gmail.com.

After the tree lighting ceremony, guests are invited to the fire station to enjoy refreshments and face painting while they wait in line to visit with Santa Claus. And, in this season of giving, we invite guests to register for the Oak Forest Rotary Club’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, which will take place at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors can choose if they are giving in honor of the city’s police officers or firefighters. All donors will receive a flip-top water bottle. To schedule a donation time, call Rotarian Jim Watson at 708-687-7026.

For more information about the parade or tree lighting ceremony, please call 708-687-4050 or visit www.oak-forest.org.