Christmas Parade, Tree Contest Need Oak Forest Participants

OAK FOREST, IL — Residents can enjoy Oak Forest's annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony two different ways. They can take the traditional path and take in the event as observers. Or they can go the active route and be participants.

Along with residents, the city is inviting local businesses and groups to be a part of the parade and tree lighting, which are scheduled for Dec. 2. Applications are available on Oak Forest's website, and the deadline is Thursday, Nov. 9 (don't be fooled by the misprint on the forms and in the city's calendar that gives the wrong the day). Forms should be turned in to City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave.; emailed to City Administrator Troy Ishler at tishler@oak-forest.org; or faxed to 708-535-0014.

For the parade, potential participants are asked to list the number of children and adults in their group, as well as the type of vehicle they will be using. Staging for the parade starts at 10 a.m. at Oak Forest High School, and the procession begins at 11 a.m., marching down Central Avenue to City Hall.

As part of its tree lighting ceremony, which follows the parade at City Hall's gazebo, the city will announce the winners of its Trim-A-Tree contest. The contest is open to Oak Forest residents, businesses and groups, and trees must be decorated by Nov. 29.

Contest participants need to follow a few rules, though:

• Decorations must be weather resistant and securely fastened
• Lights can't be used
• Please provide a sign identifying your Participants need to use signs to identify their trees (the city suggests using signs on stakes)

Refreshments will be served during the tree lighting, and Santa Claus will be on hand at Fire Station 1. The city also suggests attendees donate an unwrapped toy to the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, which will have a donation box at the fire station.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: The parade begins at 11 a.m. Dec. 2. The tree ceremony will follow the parade.

Where: The parade starts at Oak Forest High School and will proceed along Central Avenue to City Hall. The tree ceremony will be at the City Hall's gazebo. The winners of Oak Forest's Trim-A-Tree contest will be announced during the ceremony.

Applications: Entry forms can be found at Oak Forest's website. The deadline is Thursday, Nov. 9.

More Info: Anyone with questions about the parade or contest can go to Oak Forest's website or call City Administrator Troy Ishler at 708-687-4050, ext. 1002.

Oak Forest's annual Christmas Parade (Photo via Patch archive)