Families in Chesterton got their first taste of the Christmas spirit with the annual Hometown Holiday Celebration on Saturday, November 30. The event is organized and sponsored by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.
Greg Babcock, a member of the Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis, has helped to prepare and set up for this event since it first got started. He’s seen how the streets have filled more and more with every year.
“This event has been going on for more than a decade now,” Babcock said. “It’s continued to grow over the years with new families in Chesterton and many other surrounding cities.”
Residents of the Chesterton area were able to shop and visit several tents for vendors at the event before a Christmas parade closed the evening. Jonathan Chambers, who was working the Papa’s Concessions stand, cherishes this event each year.
“I love being a part of this Chesterton tradition,” Chambers said. “I’m glad that we’re invited back once again to be a part of the festivities. I think it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season with the people you care about the most.”
Nothing makes Chambers happier than seeing everyone gather around to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and see Santa Claus make his way through town during the parade.
Karen Kenney, treasurer for the Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis, believes this event is the perfect way for parents to have fun with their kids in the community.
“We set up our table to bring people over for some hot chocolate, share more about what we do, and give back to the community,” Kenney said. “An event like this means a lot to me because my family has been largely raised here. Seeing how a lot of programs and departments in this area can come together for a Christmas celebration is a pretty cool feeling. The kids love these events and hopefully the tradition will carry on for generations to follow.”
While last year was a much warmer celebration, that didn’t stop this year from being one of the biggest turnouts the event has ever seen. Another positive to the freezing cold was a lot more people drinking hot chocolate this time around.
“This is a great event for people in our community to connect with family, friends, neighbors, and others,” Kenney said. “The parade is always a joy to watch. It’s truly amazing to see how many people are willing to sit or stand in the freezing cold for this celebration. I think it goes to show how committed the people in this community are to supporting one another and coming together for the holidays.”
The holiday season is about spending time with the people you care for the most. With Christmas just around the corner, Santa Claus can’t wait to fill up his sleigh on Christmas Eve and deliver presents to all the good girls and boys in Chesterton this year.
“This has been a great collaboration by the town of Chesterton,” Santa said. “It puts a smile on my face to see everyone having a good time before the holidays. I’ll be back in town very soon.”
For more information about the Town of Chesterton, you can visit its website.
