Ah, the holidays... What a time.

So many events and celebrations planned by every sector of the community: the village, churches, the park district, the library, clubs, senior facilities, organizations and even individuals. All with the goal of lifting spirits, broadening understanding, bringing people together and adding to a sense of community.

Some felt as though it was as if elves created the flood of gatherings that offered bright spots and a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the village. Among the many “elves” who made it possible was a new group in town — the Downtown Lemont Community of Commerce and offshoot Economic Development Committee.

As was the case many years ago when business and civic leaders united to start annual events now considered important traditions by many residents, the new group also strives to bring people into Lemont’s historic downtown to enjoy its 19th- and early 20th-century charm.

Moreover, just as the first group’s additions — such as Hometown Holiday, the Christmas Choral and Cookie Concert, Midnight Madness and a number of non-winter events — have become annual customs drawing people into the village, the Community of Commerce hopes to further enhance Lemont’s draw, making it a delightful destination for residents and non-residents alike.

Less than a year old, the group gathers as the Breakfast Club at 8 a.m. the third Tuesday each month.

Meeting most recently at the Lemont Area Historical Society, moderator Ashley Vass of the Institute for Community said, “I think activities and events stemming from the Breakfast Club meetings are coming together.”

Reviewing accomplishments during their short three quarters of a year past, Vass invited attendees to add their thoughts and ideas.

Among other events, the ’70s and ’80s Block Party last August and Light-Up Lemont in December brought a number of new faces into town, Vass and others said. Now, the group wants to continue to introduce new high-profile as well as more low-key events to enhance life in the village and offer people reasons to return again and again.

Striving to develop as a more cohesive planning group in 2009, Trustee Jeanette Virgilio said a January meeting with the Lemont Park District has already been arranged.

“We’re trying to join forces to add to and fine tune events throughout the village rather than duplicate efforts in the future, and this is an early meeting to help coordinate the process,” she said.

As these and other groups do more together to explore and share Lemont’s unique character, members will strive to help make Lemont an exciting destination for residents and tourists, Virgilio said.

Welcoming all Lemont merchants, civic organizations and others — “elves” included — interested in helping to make a difference in Lemont, Vass said, “The goal of the IFC and the Community of Commerce is building quality relationships where people live and work through the power of genuine community. I hope we will continue to spark interest and we invite people come out to participate.”

The next Economic Development Committee meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, upstairs at 102 Steven St.

For more information, call Vass at (301) 848-3209 or e-mail ashley.vass@gmail.com.