Hinsdale’s 44th annual Christmas Walk and StoryBook Village blends traditional holiday charm with a new concept this year — story books created by area students.
The books will be on display in the windows of 45 merchants when the event kicks of at 4 p.m. Nov. 27.
“The idea was a combined effort of those on the Christmas Walk Committee,” said Jan Anderson, executive director of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to do something unique, but carry on with the theme of Gingerbread, which in years past has been a recurring theme.”
Rather than leave the creative design and writing of each custom-made book to professional advertising agencies and public relations firms, the committee sought out who they thought would be the best source of creative children’s storybook ideas — the children themselves.
“Students at Hinsdale Middle School were given the opportunity to write the story for each individual business, and art students at Hinsdale Central High School are illustrating each book,” said Anderson. “They have really gotten into it. I can’t wait to see how it tuns out.”
Anderson said some of the student writers went on their own into the downtown and sought out favorite merchants with which to work.
“Some actually recruited businesses for the program, and selected their own subjects,” Anderson said.
Each story book will contain a story about mythical “Cookie,” the Gingerbread man, and how he interacts with each particular business.
Each book will be prominently displayed at each store, with pages opened for easy viewing.
Visitors to the downtown business district will be able to vote for their favorite story book, and the students who create the winning books will earn prizes, Anderson said.
The event will include a visit from Santa in Burlington Park, strolling holiday characters, ice sculptures and the North Pole Post Office, where children can submit letters to Santa and holiday gift lists.
The walk also ties in with activities scheduled during three consecutive Saturdays in December in Burlington Park sponsored by the village’s Economic Development Commission.
Part of the commission’s Distinctly Hinsdale branding campaign, those activities include horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown, gingerbread cookie decorating, the North Pole Post Office and Santa’s House.
The events take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 in Burlington Park.
“We’ve cut back slightly from previous years, but continue to provide the best elements of the favored activities,” said Tim Scott, director of community development for the village.
Because of budget constraints the activities no longer include costumed carolers and Secret Santa handing out gift cards.
The event also is scheduled only for Saturdays — the last two years the events took place Friday and Saturday, Scott said.
“We launched this as part of the Distinctly Hinsdale branding two years ago and carried it over last year. It has been very successful,” Scott said.
Hinsdale, IL —
