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Inaugural Garfield Ridge Tree Lighting Set for Wentworth Park

By Casey Cora | November 25, 2014 5:42am
 Business groups and political leaders are banding together for a holiday ceremony in Garfield Ridge.
Business groups and political leaders are banding together for a holiday ceremony in Garfield Ridge.
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Flickr/McSaraKelly

GARFIELD RIDGE — If the unseasonably chilly cold snaps haven't got you in the holiday mood, then the first-ever tree lighting ceremony at Wentworth Park should do the trick.

The event takes place 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave. 

Featuring food trucks, a DJ spinning holiday tunes, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and cameos by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Saturday's event is believed to be the first of its kind in the neighborhood. 

It was organized by the Garfield Ridge Retail Entertainment and Amusement Team, a civic group aiming to bolster business on the Southwest Side.

The six-person team is hoping the holiday event capitalizes on the success of its summertime cruise night, which debuted to much fanfare on Archer Avenue earlier this year. 

"This a great neighborhood. A safe neighborhood. We need to have more vitality here," said Elisa Mondia, a group spokeswoman. 

Saturday's event, co-hosted by several Southwest Side politicians, also marks the beginning of the ice skating season at Wentworth Park.

Admission to the holiday event is free, but those looking to skate will pay an admission fee to the rink.

Adult admission is $3; kids and students with valid ID are free and seniors and military get a $1 discounts. Skate rental costs $6 and most parks bundle the cost of adult admission and skate rental in a $7 package. 

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