Fifth annual event shines with students and special honoree
The Village of Bourbonnais will officially kick off the holiday season with its fifth annual Rockin’ Around the Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 6 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy this free, festive outdoor celebration at The Grove at Goselin Park, located at 700 Main St. NW.
The event will begin with the lighting of the village tree, led by Mayor Jeff Keast alongside this year’s tree lighting honoree, Josh McDaniel, a Liberty Intermediate School teacher and coach.
“Each year, the village recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond—whether through their citizenship, professional dedication or personal efforts—to make Bourbonnais a better place,” said Mayor Keast.
“Coach McDaniel exemplifies this spirit. He turned an unimaginable cancer diagnosis of a seventh-grade athlete into a powerful lesson on compassion and inclusion. Not only did the student join the basketball team, but with Coach McDaniel’s support, he was able to take the court and score a basket—putting cancer and chemotherapy on the sidelines.”
Following the tree lighting, students from local elementary schools will take the stage with holiday performances from:
•Alan Shepard Elementary School – 3rd grade, under the direction of Emily Heald
•Kankakee Area Career Center – Pre-K, under the direction of Peggy Buehler
•Liberty Intermediate School – 5th & 6th grade choir, under the direction of CarrieChaparro
•St. Paul’s Lutheran School – Grades K–8, under the direction of Amy Fox
Santa Claus will make a special appearance with the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, Bourbonnais Police and Public Works. Each department will be offering a festive “touch-a-truck” experience for families.
Attendees can also glide among a winter wonderland of lights at The Rink, the village’s newly opened seasonal synthetic ice rink. Skate rentals will be available with a donation benefiting the annual Shop with a Cop program.
Warm up afterward with hot chocolate from Connect Roasters around six firepits and enjoy food available for purchase from the Chick-fil-A food truck. Dessert lovers can take advantage of Dairy Queen’s $1 small cone special from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Bourbonnais location, 131 S. Main St.
This community event is free to attend and does not require registration.
