Hundreds Greet Santa at LITH Festival of Trees

Santa and Mrs. Claus took time out of their busy schedules Friday to stop by the Lake in the Hills Festival of Trees.

A crowd of happy faces greeted the jolly old pair as they stepped off the Algonquin-LITH Fire Department truck that provided transportation from the "North Pole" to the 600 Harvest Gate.

Mr. Claus had the honorary duty of lighting the row of Christmas trees, all sponsored by local businesses and organizations. For the Festival of Trees, visitors vote for their favorite tree by placing canned good items underneath it.

Voting is open through Dec. 22, and all donations will be given to the Algonquin/ Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry and the Grafton Township Food Pantry.

Santa lit the tree and then escaped to the warmth inside Village Hall, where he greeted children in front of the fireplace. After children shared their holiday wish list with Santa, Mrs. Claus gave each visitor a candy cane and the pair posed for pictures.

"I'm going to ask Santa for a pink kid motorcycle, and I'm going to ride it," said 4-year-old Danica, first in line to meet Santa along with her 8-year-old brother, Clayton of LITH.

In addition to meeting Santa, children were treated to cookies, lemonade and a free craft.

Andrew Gemmell, superintendent of recreation for the LITH Parks and Recreation Department, was pleased with the turnout. Parents and children filled the sidewalk in front of village hall, awaiting Santa’s arrival at 6 p.m.

“I would say there are about 300 people here, and more people will come later to avoid standing in line,” Gemmell said. “Santa stays until the last person is here. We’ll probably be here until at least 8:30 p.m.”