Dozens gather at Fox Pointe for COVID-adjusted tradition
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (December 6, 2020) – The gates of Fox Pointe were opened at 5:00pm Saturday evening, December 5, for holiday-loving families to enter and view the official lighting of the Village Christmas Tree.A new sign on Ridge Road welcomes visitors to Fox Pointe. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Fox Pointe opened at 5:00pm, and the infield remained dark until the official lighting of the Village Christmas tree. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Technical difficulties delayed the lighting of the official Village Christmas tree in the center of the infield, but attendees used the time to walk the perimeter and view the smaller trees that had been decorated by various families, businesses, and organizations.From left: The Lansing Public Library, the Lansing Food Pantry, and the American Legion Auxiliary each decorated a Christmas tree in theme with their organization. (Photos: Melanie Jongsma)A variety of local groups were represented, including, from left, Concerned Citizens of Lansing, Boy Scout Troop 219, and the Lansing Association for Community Events (LACE). (Photos: Melanie Jongsma)From left: First Church PCA, Cornerstone Church, and Bethel Church each decorated a tree. (Photos: Melanie Jongsma)The Village was also well represented, with trees decorated by, from left, Lansing Public Works, the Lansing Fire Department, and Mayor Eidam and her husband Bud. (Photos: Melanie Jongsma)
Just before 6:00pm, Village officials took the stage, and Mayor Patty Eidam addressed the gathering. In spite of technical difficulties with the audio, she thanked Debbie Albrecht of the Lansing Public Library for helping to cover the cost of the perimeter Christmas trees. Eidam also thanked the 53 organizations who had participated in decorating the trees during the week and then introduced the elected officials present.
Mayor Patty Eidam (right) introduced Village officials present at the ceremony, including (from left) Trustees Brian Hardy, Maureen Grady-Perovich, Saad Abbasy, and Jerry Zeldenrust. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Mayor Eidam (right) invited her husband Bud (center) and Lansing Public Works employee Tony Meyer to the stage to lead the countdown and turn on the Christmas tree lights. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)In addition to the Village Christmas tree, a variety of other lighted displays fill the infield of Fox Pointe, including a traditional Nativity scene. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The crowd had a few minutes to enjoy the lights before heading over to Randolph Street in anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus.Families lined up along Randolph Street, and Santa arrived via fire truck. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Firefighter Keith Zigterman has been Santa’s personal chauffeur for many years. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)From the fire engine bucket, Santa addressed the crowd and brought holiday greetings. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Santa visited for about 15 minutes before departing Fox Pointe. The venue remained open until 7:00pm for families to enjoy the decorations.The lighted Fox Pointe pavilion frames the Christmas tree and a few of Saturday night’s guests. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Not only did Sue and Dave Planer sponsor and decorate a Christmas tree, they also donned decorated face masks for the occasion. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Jeff Schoettle also dressed for the occasion. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Visitors stopped at the photo area to pose in Santa’s sleigh and snap a souvenir photo. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Fox Pointe stayed open until 7:00pm, giving guests plenty of time to view the lights and Christmas trees. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Fox Pointe will be open most evenings in December from 3:00–8:00pm, so families can view the Christmas trees and take a photo in the vintage Santa sleigh on the south side of the venue.
Fox Pointe is located at 18138 Henry Street in Lansing, Illinois.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
