Warmer weather than last year brought large crowds to Cicero Community Park as hundreds of Town residents gathered to kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas in the Park celebration on November 29.
This event officially starts both the Christmas celebrations throughout Cicero and the ice skating season at the Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink. An early performance by the Chicago Radiance synchronized skating team got things going as families gathered at the ice rink to watch before trekking to take a train ride through the park, interact with reindeer, listen to carolers, and visit the friends of the world of Dr. Suess and Disney’s popular film Frozen.
“All of the families gathered here, watching the skaters perform on the ice, getting photos taken in front of the tree, and making their own Christmas ornaments puts me in the holiday spirit,” said Town President Larry Dominick. “I can’t think of a better way to start the Christmas season than through Christmas in the Park.”
In addition to the ice skating, families were able to watch live performances by magicians and sit around to read Christmas tales inside 
heated tents, as well as visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event was capped by the lighting of the Christmas tree in the center of the park, an annual holiday tradition.
“You really get a sense of why Christmas is so special when you come out here,” said Town Assessor Emilio “Emo” Cundari. “We are all gathered here with our friends and families, celebrating such a wonderful holiday in a way that will fill us with joy throughout the rest of the season.”
The ice rink, opened during the Christmas in the Park celebrations four years ago, is named after NHL Hall-of-Famer and Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull as a gift from the Wirtz Corporation.
Joining Dominick and Cundari were Town Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias, Collector Fran Reitz, Supervisor Joe Virruso, and Trustees Larry Banks, Victor Garcia, and Dennis Raleigh.
