Letter to the Editor: Many Thanks Due for Polar Express

1,551 people made their way to the North Pole this weekend.  That translates to over 2,000 cookies enjoyed, 1,600 cups of Village Grind hot cocoa or coffee poured and 950 secrets told to an attentive guy in a beard and 950 bells silver sleigh bells given to little hands. The story of The Polar Express was told 47 times.  Rudolph and Jingle Bells were sang the same amount, and on some enthusiastic trips, even more.   The smiles, though were countless.

In our seventh year, and our first with only a scrap of snow, the Oswegoland Park District had a blast at the North Pole.  We are so appreciative to the partners that made this happen.  Oswego Community Bank and the Village Grind were instrumental in giving this experience to this year’s families.  Holiday Inn Express put up the reindeer and their friends.  Washington Square’s Premier Mailing and Printing had songbooks for everyone. On Friday night the Thompson Junior High Choir serenaded guests.

We had some pretty terrific volunteers serving as both readers and overall characters, Dave Maroo, Sue Milburn, Julie Kiser, Deb O’Dell, Dawn Licul, Megan Mann, Susan Randazzo, Ed Perry, Lindsey Meyer, and Kyle Koller.  

Thank you too, to the amazing staff that shares their holiday weekend with me.  From the little white lights hung high in the air to the hot bonfire, the Operations Department lit the whole weekend up.  Nothing feels like Christmas until this weekend spent with all of you - Now Carolyn, Now Carly, Now Colin and Laura!  On Erica! On Julia!  On Cori and Kayla! To the top of the porch!  To the top of the wall!  Now dash away!  Dash away!  Dash away all! Thanks for making it all so magical.  Merry Christmas!

Kristie Vest, Special Events Coordinator, Oswegoland Park District