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Folks from the Fifth Ward, the Second Ward and even outside Evanston came bundled up in their scarves and bubble jackets to the corner of Church Street and Dodge Avenue on Friday as the Central Evanston Business Association’s first holiday festival and tree lighting ceremony made it a memorable night.
Central Evanston Business Association hosted its first annual holiday festival and tree lighting ceremony at Church Street and Dodge Avenue. Credit: Gina Castro
CEBA leaders spoke about the progress they’ve made for the businesses and community in the Fifth Ward, which just might be the heart of the city, said Clarence Weaver, CEBA member and co-owner of C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor.
“This is all about community,” said Weaver. “From what I understand, if you take a line from each end of the city and come towards the middle, you will end up right here on Church and Dodge.”
Several elected officials made an appearance. Former Fifth Ward Council Member Delores Holmes came to celebrate with her daughter Kim Holmes-Ross, who is Evanston Cradle to Career’s interim executive director and community engagement director.
“It’s nice to be able to live long enough to see dreams come true,” Delores Holmes said. “I’m so happy that when you leave [office] … other people pick up the torch and run with it, like Robin [Rue Simmons] picked it up and made a little bit more progress, and now Bobby [Burns, current Fifth Ward council member] has it. I am really excited about that.”
Council Member Bobby Burns: “I want to just say to everybody that you know the holidays are important for families who can get together but also I’m sure there’s people out here that lost family this year. And there’s people who brought new life into the world this year.” Credit: Gina Castro
“I hope you all take a chance to learn the history of the Fifth Ward,” said former Fifth Ward Council Member Delores Holmes. “We’re very proud people over here. We love this ward. We do some wonderful things here.” Credit: Gina Castro
Members of the ETHS Choir and Orchestra performing Christmas carols during CEBA’s Holiday Festival. They are fundraising for their trip to New Orleans. Credit: Gina Castro
Adriana Delgado and her daughter Catalina hanging up ornaments on the community tree. Credit: Gina Castro
“The holidays – even if we share or celebrate different holidays – we’re celebrating love,” said Council Member Krissie Harris, 2nd Ward. “We’re celebrating being together.” Credit: Gina Castro
“It’s really nice to be here because the holidays are about family, and when I look around this crowd, this is family,” said 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita. Credit: Gina Castro
“What I want you guys to do is make a decoration and hang it on the tree, because every time that you walk through here and you see this tree, you’re gonna see community,” said City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza. Credit: Gina Castro
The Babalol family selling their handmade jewelry and homemade soap at CEBA’s holiday festival. Credit: Gina Castro
“We’ve never had lights on Church and Dodge,” said CEBA President Gigi Giles. “When you come down Lake Street, and you look over that hill and see those lights, that really means a lot to us.” Credit: Gina Castro
CEBA member Donna Walker passing out free toys to children in the community. Credit: Gina Castro
Local author Zinnia Adams selling her book “Life is Short, Buy the House: The Ultimate Guide to Prepare for Homeownership.” Credit: Gina Castro
City Deputy Clerk Saúl Rodriguez helping a child put together a Christmas ornament. Credit: Gina Castro
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Moments before the tree lighting, Burns directed the crowd to channel the holiday spirit.
“I want you just to think about a time in your life where you were incredibly grateful,” Burns began. “It can be here today; it can be another time. Once you have it in your mind, I want you to hold on to it and try to enhance it. Try to really pay attention to it and focus on it, and then sit with it for a little bit. That’s what the holiday spirit is. Let’s try to hold onto that for as long as we can.”
And at the count of three, the community tree at Church and Dodge lit up the night.
The Evanston Township High School choir finished the tree lighting ceremony with Silent Night.
The choir and orchestra are raising money for a trip to the city of jazz and blues, New Orleans. Sign up to help them get there.
Gina Castro
Gina Castro is a Racial Justice fellow for the Evanston RoundTable. She recently earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism where she studied investigative...
More by Gina Castro
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