Santa, elves, decorating and song all made for a Happy Hinckley Holiday

by Chris Studor

One by one, a line of several eager children waited for their turn to tell Santa their Christmas wishes at the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Happy Hinckley Holiday Dec. 7 at the Hinckley Preparatory Academy. 

The room where children visited with Santa and one of his elves was decorated with poinsettias donated by Petitti Garden Center.

Hinckley Preparatory Academy donated use of the gymnasium and classroom space. Chamber President, Mark Staron said more than 200 community members participated this year, noting that the chamber  “will have to add additional chairs in the gymnasium next year.”

“It was wonderful to see so many community members having a great time,” said Staron.

The evening began with a dance performance by the ABBA Dance Company. Singers from the Hinckley Preparatory Academy then entertained the crowd with holiday songs. Eric Lucas and his band added to the holiday cheer with their performance. Hinckley Elementary singers, conducted by Michael McClintock, gave a heartwarming performance followed by Highland High School’s show choir, Added Attraction, which was conducted by Christopher Ilg.

Members of the Hinckley Women’s Club helped children decorate Christmas ornaments. Reading the children The Night Before Christmas, was Staron and Ann Therese Biesiada. The Hinckley Women’s Club also led the children in a game of Christmas Bingo. 

Refreshments of decorated Christmas cookies made were made and donated by Christina McVey of Pittie Cakes and served by members of the Hinckley Women’s Club.“It was a lovely evening with a great turnout,” said Denise Klag, Chamber treasurer. “We will keep the tradition going for township residents to join with other community members to have an evening of Christmas music, visits with Santa, crafts and lots of goodies to enjoy.”