Village of Orland Park to Host 'Pancakes with Mayor Dodge and Santa'

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park invites residents of all ages to celebrate the season at Pancakes with Mayor Dodge and Santa, a family-friendly morning of community connection, conversation, and holiday cheer.

The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. Guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast featuring pancakes provided by Gaston’s Bistro of Orland Park, a special appearance by Representative Nicole La Ha, and live holiday entertainment from the Orland Park Children’s Choir. Families are invited to take photos with Santa in the Civic Center Annex and share in the spirit of the season together.

“These events have been incredible opportunities to meet residents, hear their thoughts, and engage in meaningful discussions about our community’s future,” said Mayor Jim Dodge. “The feedback and enthusiasm from everyone who attends show just how much Orland Park residents care about their Village.”

Along with the holiday festivities, community partners including CTF Illinois, Misericordia, and Vitalant will be on-site to share information about their programs and services. Members of the United States Marine Corps from the Joliet Marine Corps Center will also collect new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for the Orland Township Food Pantry, which is currently in need of canned soups, beef stew, chili, broth, oatmeal packets, nuts, and jelly.

The Pancakes with Mayor Dodge and Santa event builds on the success of the Village’s recent Pizza with Mayor Dodge and Pierogi with Mayor Dodge community gatherings, which drew capacity crowds and engaging discussion, the Village said in a release.

“I’m grateful to everyone who joined our past events, and to Senator Michael E. Hastings, Representative Mary Gill, and Senator Bill Cunningham for taking part,” Dodge said. “Special thanks as well to Baracco’s Pizza on Wolf and Tradycja Polish Fusion Cuisine for their hospitality and community spirit.”

Attendance is limited to 150 guests. To reserve a spot or inquire about hosting or sponsoring a future event, email mayorsevents@orlandpark.org. For videos of previous events and details on upcoming programs, visit orlandpark.org/mayorevents.