By Jacqueline Covey
For the Bugle
The smell of roasted chestnuts and the two-headed figures of children on shoulders led the way down Lockport Street for the annual Whoville celebration.
The Heart of Christmas is a first-year event, which brought the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Plainfield Park District’s ongoing tree lighting ceremony together.
Local organizations and residents came together Saturday night for the true meaning of Christmas – the strength of 10 Grinches plus two.
“The best part is to see everyone’s happy smile and walking around,” said Wendi Calabrese, the park district’s director of administrative services.
Two things happened in 1966: How the Grinch Stole Christmas was released, and the Plainfield Park District was established. As a sort of conjoined birthday party, the park district adopted a very green tradition moving forward.
“We try to add something each year,” Calabrese said.
“The Grinch has a house, now,” she laughed, pointing toward the southwest end of the Village Green.
Leading up the tree lighting, How the Grinch Stole Christmas played on a projector, cookie and hot cocoa was handed out. Families could rush to the new hayrack ride, sponsored by the park district, or take pictures with Santa.
One toddler, tuned into the movie, was a fan of her first Grinchmas,
“She is not ready to go,” said Taheshe Whitley, mother of 4-year-old Maya. “Our favorite (part) was the Santa on the firetruck ‑ and of course the Grinch.”
Small children – no beginners to the tree-lighting game – bypassed the movie screen and forest of sponsored mini trees, racing to a front seat for the tree lighting. Classic Christmas songs, sung by a young choir, welcomed those around the tree. In the center of the park, hundreds gatherers for Santa to light the tree.
Other activities included: Letters to Santa at Hazel Marie’s, Pictures with Santa at Krema Coffee House, Crafts at the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
For some, the Heart of Christmas is a welcomed new tradition in their home town.
“We come every year, it’s a family tradition” Ann Dreger said, tailing three children. ” I am glad they have something like this for kids (in Plainfield).”