The holiday season is in full swing, and the West Loop was home to several family events this past Saturday. With the kids in tow, we headed out in search of Santa, snacks, and holiday cheer!
“Polar Bear Palooza” on Saturday, December 5th at Imagination Children’s Academy. photo: Matt Letorneau
Our first stop of the day was the “Polar Bear Palooza” at the new Imagination Children’s Academy located at 1144 W. Madison Street. This celebration of all things winter included a dance performance, soccer class run by the West Loop Soccer Club, arts & crafts, an indoor playground, and snacks provided by Cone Gourmet Ice Cream and Warm Belly Bakery. It was a great way to learn about the Academy (now enrolling) and several other children’s activities in the neighborhood.
Fueled by the ice cream, we made our way to Cat & Mouse Games at 1112 W. Madison to update our Christmas lists. While checking out the latest arrivals and observing the weekly Saturday gamers event, we ran into St. Nick. After running through a quick summary of our Christmas lists and catching up with friends from the neighborhood, we grabbed a present for mom, noted Cat & Mouse’s holiday hours (10 am – 8 pm everyday except Sunday, when they will close at 2 pm) for the last-minute shopping that is sure to come in a few weeks.
Skinner Park tree lit up on Saturday, December 5th. photo: Matt Letorneau
After a break at home to warm up, we headed out to Mary Bartelme Park just after sunset for the 5th annual tree lighting ceremony. We chatted with friends and classmates from the neighborhood and snacked on pizza from Lou Malnati’s as a group of 2nd and 3rd graders from Skinner West Elementary belted out some holiday hits. A few minutes later, our pal Mr. Claus rolled up in a two-horse open sleigh and shared a photo opportunity with the youngsters on hand. We decided to pass up a sleigh ride around the park so we could make it to our last stop.
Holiday Party at Whitney Young High School on Saturday, December 5th. Photo: Matt Letorneau
The glimmering lights of a second newly-lit Christmas tree at Skinner Park confirmed we were on the right path our final holiday party for the day at the Whitney Young High School. NOWL Board member May Toy and her team had whipped up a delicious dinner of turkey, ham, and other tasty dishes for kids of all ages. The bouncy houses and holiday craft tables set up in the gym were for kids only, however. With full bellies and our souvenirs in hand, we waved good bye to Santa (a very busy man!) and wandered home.
Happy holidays!
by: Matt Letorneau, NOWL Development Chair