Santa Claus was given a jolly sendoff parade in Norridge Saturday, days before he would prepare to set out on his reindeer-draw sleigh to deliver goodies to boys and girls everywhere.
“From the comfort of their own home, residents can wave to Santa one last time before he heads to the North Pole in preparation for his big journey around the world,” said Tracey Avis, event spokesperson.
There was a dusting of snow on the ground – giving front lawns in front of Norridge’s famous bungalows and retro stone fronted residential buildings a festive Chicagoland holiday feel – as Santa made his way around town during the “Santa Sendoff Parade.”
The parade started at the former Divine Savior Church, at 7740 Montrose Ave. The tradition launched four years ago at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and was so popular that the Santa Send Off stayed.
“This event was created in the year of 2020 to pull the community together during uncertain times,” said Avis. “It was a success, so we continue to do this every year.”
The parade line up featured police Chief Brian Goss in the lead car.
“It’s great for the community,” Goss said about the newer tradition of a Santa Send Off. “The kids love it and you can see the parents like it too. It’s a fun thing to do to kind of bring the community together and kick Christmas off.”
There was a Public Works decorated plower. Members of the Special Olympics team, Shabbona Park, rode on a Ridgewood High School bus driven by Public Works staffer Dean Grossart. There was even a “North Pole Paparazzi” vehicle.
Other town leaders took part in the parade.
Norridge Park District Executive Director Nate Brown said the sendoff parade is a display of community unity.
Village President Dan Tannhauser rode with Santa on the back of a decorated pickup truck.
“Since we started [the holiday-themed parade], it’s been good every year, it’s been growing every year,” he said.
Santa Claus, himself, told Pioneer Press what he wanted for Christmas.
“I want everyone to be healthy and happy,” Santa said.
New this year was a tracker that provided live tracking of Santa on the parade route. People could follow the village’s social media posts to see him move about town.
Santa had been busy in Norridge since arriving in town last month. First there was the annual tree lighting ceremony the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“After that, our elves work with Santa to make sure letters are sent to all the children that made it on his good list,” said Avis.
Then the “Holiday House Decorating Contest” got underway for residents to enter to show off their decorating talent.
Avis said the Santa Send Off wraps up the town’s Christmas events for the season.
”During my short time since joining with the village, it’s been wonderful seeing the joy these events bring to residents, families and friends of all ages,” Avis said.
Joe Fulara and children Avery Fulara, 4, and Jake, 1, waited for Santa close to their Norridge home.
“I think it’s awesome how much the village cares and they know that there are a bunch of young families who are moving in, so I think it’s good for the kids,” Fulara said. “I think it’s cool just for the kids to say, ‘goodbye, Santa.’”
On Lawrence Avenue, waiting for Santa outside were Norridge residents Olha Romanyshyn and children Renata and Riccardo, and Youssef Kirollos with daughter Eliana, 3. The Norridge neighbors played on sleds in the snow, with parents seen pulling the sled.
When Santa Claus and, yes, the Green Grinch appeared, the kids jumped up and down. Someone in a police car used a loudspeaker to joke with the kids, reminding them to not throw snowballs at Santa.
“I think the kids had a blast,” Youssef Kirollos said after Santa drove by.
“The kids were watching from the window with suspense and when the parade approached we decided to come downstairs to see him in person,” Kirollos added. “It was very nice overall.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
