Monday, March 15, 2010
Christmas is a special time in Kankakee County. While dates vary from year to year, here are some of the special traditions to watch for. Each has taken place for a decade or longer. All are open to the general public. Details about the 2008 events will be posted on our events calendar as they are made available.
Coloring contest
The Daily Journal has run a Christmas coloring contest annually for more than half a century. The 2009 contest was the 53rd. There are categories for senior citizens, special education, children in various age groups and families. The family category has traditionally been a favorite. It is the one category where everyone, regardless of age, can participate. All other entries exclude help from parents. The prizes range from $25 for first place to $10 for third place. The entry is always published before Thanksgiving. Daily Journal cartoonist Steve York has drawn the entry for the past several years. The winners are always announced in the Christmas Eve edition.
Salvation Army Food Drive
Each year The Salvation Army conducts a food drive at Christmas, supported by merchants throughout the community. The groceries are given away and also provide lunches for the needy year-round. The community has contributed as many as 500 barrels of food. Many schools, churches and merchants will set up collection barrels.
In conjunction with the food drive, The Salvation Army will have bellringers by kettles at many locations. Volunteer bellringers are always needed. Many service groups volunteer to help. For information on volunteering, or setting up a barrel for food collections, call The Salvation Army at (815)-933-8421.
Bradley Christmas Parade
Bradley has an annual Christmas parade the first Friday in December. The 2009 parade, is the 24th to be held. It's usually held the first week in December. Please call for information. There are cash prizes for floats entered by large and small businesses and nonprofit groups. Fire departments compete in a Deck the Hose competition. To enter, contact either the Village of Bradley or the Bradley-Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce.
Meeting Santa Claus
Santa Claus always visits Northfield Square mall in Bradley and the Meadowview Shopping center in Kankakee for the holidays. Watch The Daily Journal for the official schedule. The Kankakee Valley Park District along with Kankakee Resident Advisory Council annually sponsor a breakfast with Santa, too.
Santa Claus train
Now in its 39th year in 2009, the Illinois Central Santa Claus Train always rolls through the area for two days in December. The Kankakee stop always takes place on a Sunday afternoon and is historically the best-attended stop on the entire run. At every stop, Santa dispenses gifts given by area merchants. The train never leaves until Santa has seen every child. There is never a charge for attending the train. Traditionally, the train comes through on the second weekend in December. Please check The Daily Journal for exact dates.
Gallery of Trees
Throughout December, the Kankakee County Museum, located in Gov. Small Memorial Park on Kankakee’s West Side, hosts a Gallery of Trees. Agencies and businesses throughout the county decorate Christmas trees that remain on exhibit through the holiday season. Patrons get to vote on their favorite trees. Admission is waived during the Gallery, but donations are always welcome at the museum.
Riverview Housewalk
Kankakee’s Historic Riverview District always hosts a housewalk. Typically, three to five homes can be viewed. Most of the homes in the Riverview District are at least 75 years old. Many have unique Victorian, Dutch or other types of interesting architecture. The 2008 housewalk was on Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are sold in advance and also the day of the event.
Jingle Bell Run
Now in its 19th year, the 2009 Jingle Bell Run will take place Dec. ?? at 9 a.m. at Shapiro Developmental Center. Last year ??? runners, walkers, skaters and swimmers raised more than $??,000 for the Kankakee County Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Besides a 5-kilometer run and walk, the event includes a costume contest and awards for top fund-raising individual, team, youth and family. Every participant always receives a long-sleeved multi-colored T-shirt. The run has taken place at Shapiro Developmental Center for the past 14 years. Please check The Daily Journal for exact dates.
Christmas Day Dinner
Christmas Day dinner provides a free holiday meal to five or six Kankakee County locations on Christmas. The goal is not only to reach out to the needy, but also to provide fellowship to people who are lonely, or for those who just want a communal holiday meals. Funds are raised for the event through a golf outing each year. Please check The Daily Journal for exact dates.
Holiday Tournament
Each year Kankakee High School hosts a holiday basketball tournament in the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Now in its 60th year, the event includes both Class A schools and Class AA. Local high schools, as well as some of the best in the state, are invited. Please check The Daily Journal for exact dates.
Olivet Nazarene University
Strickler Planetarium at Olivet Nazarene University has an annual holiday show. The cost has been $1 in past years. Showings take place several times during the season.
2008 shows are December 14 and 15 at 7 and 8 p.m. both days. The university also sponsors a production of Frederic Handel’s “Messiah,” which is open to the community. This year will be the 73rd for the production.
Symphony of Sweets
The Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra has an annual holiday concert, which is always followed by the Symphony of Sweets, a benefit dinner, with desserts, that raises funds for the Kankakee Valley Symphony orchestra Women’s Board.
Ebony Fashion Fair
While not strictly a holiday-themed event, the Ebony Fashion Fair takes place each year during the holiday season. The 2008 show, the 52nd, will take place at the Lincoln Cultural Center on Dec. ??th at 7p.m. Tickets are $30 and $25. The fair, presented by Ebony magazine, brings high class fashions to the area. Proceeds benefit the John R. Tate Advocacy Center, which helps victims of crime.