Perched atop her father’s shoulders, 4-year-old Isabella Ingraffia of Evanston was one of the shortest people at Fountain Square Plaza Thursday night – but she had one of the best views.
The Ingraffias joined hundreds of other local residents who saw six Rockettes perform as part of Evanston’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.
The Rockettes performed a short routine that included their trademark kickline. Five spectators won two free tickets apiece to a future Rockettes show at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago.
“I think it’s good for Evanston,” said Joseph Ingraffia, Isabella’s father. “It’s good community public relations, getting people out, maybe getting them to the stores.”
The Rockettes’ appearance highlighted a busy evening in downtown Evanston that included appearances by third-term Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton and Santa Claus.
“I am so delighted to see so many children here,” Morton told the crowd. “We’re going to have a happy holiday in Evanston, Illinois.”
Following Morton’s speech, the crowd counted down from 10 to one, and the lights on the Christmas tree across the street were turned on.
Part of the crowd then filtered down to the corner of Church Street and Sherman Avenue, the location of the former Marshall Field’s store and current Panera Bread. Just after 6 p.m., Morton waved her “magic wand” at the building’s clock, which had not worked in more than a decade. Moments later, the clock turned on, and within three minutes, the correct time was displayed.
Morton was introduced by Bob Horner of the Evanston Galleria Investors, the group that owns the building. Also in attendance were Boris Vernik of BMC TimeWorks Inc., who repaired the clock, and several other Evanston politicians, including Ald. Arthur Newman (1st).
Ira Golan of Evmark, an organization that promotes Evanston’s downtown area, emceed the tree-lighting ceremony.
“It was wonderful,” Golan said. “It’s the biggest crowd we’ve ever had in Evanston for anything.”
Morton wondered aloud how Golan would be able to top this year’s festivities.
“What will he think of next?” she said.
Santa may have come to Evanston 26 days early, but the truck he and Morton arrived in came a couple of minutes later than expected. To pass the time, Golan took holiday song requests from the crowd.
The crowd sang “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” while Golan conducted. A few minutes later, the truck pulled into sight.
“Here comes Santa,” Golan said.
