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Community Corner

Oakbrook Center's New Village Green Takes Center Stage in Holiday Celebration

A sensational, carnival-like display of holiday cheer that will transcend time and place is on tap for the grand opening of the new Oakbrook Center Village Green. On November 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oakbrook Center will host a highly interactive and theatrical event to kick off the holiday season and commemorate the completion of a two-year renovation at one of Chicagoland's premier shopping destinations. From unique art demonstrations and live reindeer to a stunning pyrotechnic performance, the event will feature one-of-a-kind activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. 

A Cast of Captivating Characters
Those in attendance at the Nov. 22 event will be treated to a chic experience featuring a captivating cast of characters ranging from strolling carolers in Cloud White Momentary Opera costumes to a 12-foot-tall Old Man Winter dressed in a snow-kissed woodland robe featuring moss, stick and straw, and snow accents complete with holly wreath accents. Leading the mystical band of merry makers will be an ethereal, stilted Snow Maiden in an elaborately structured gown - specially made for the Oakbrook Center event - featuring natural patterns and materials, fabrics with shimmering icicle and delicate seasonal details. Joined by authentic reindeer and a team of trusty elves, she and Old Man Winter will greet guests and pose for memory-making moments. 

Also debuting an exceptional new look will be the big man himself, Santa Claus. Guests can visit jolly old St. Nick inside Oakbrook Center's new Glass Pavilion, located adjacent to the Village Green. The fireplace inside the pavilion will be glowing all season, offering idyllic setting for new traditions at Oakbrook Center.

Exclusive Experiences and Visual Delights
Other activities planned for the holiday kick-off celebration include collaborative arts and crafts for kids and parents alike. A spirited artist will be on hand to help kids make custom top hats full of color and embellishments. Other special treats include a candy sculptor who will create edible art live on site during the event. The candy creations are magically made in minutes using a small handful of molten corn syrup candy, a pair of old-fashioned Japanese scissors, chopsticks and a fine paint brush. 

Capping off the inaugural event will be an Illuminated Lantern Night Processional commencing at 7:15 p.m. from the Village Green that will parade around the Vortex Fountain to the Glass Pavilion. Kids in their custom top hats are invited to participate in the processional, led by The Mobile DJ Unit. The parade will feature a dozen over sized incandescent paper lanterns worn by costumed performers and suspended nine feet about the ground by specially designed backpacks. A team of eight "Bell and Antler" reindeer characters donning real stag antlers and customized costumes with hundreds of bells will jingle alongside their illuminating counterparts. 

At the end of the parade the lanterns and reindeer characters will join DJ Fire on the Village Green for a majestic music and fire performance. Sitting atop a two-tired custom-built fork lift, DJ Fire will play techno-inspired holiday tunes on his exclusive "Fire Organ" - a 12-pipe instrument that releases flames up to 15 feet high and in synchronized time to the music. A spectacular pyrotechnics show will top off the celebration. 

More information about the Oakbrook Center Holiday Celebration and other holiday happenings can be found online atwww.oakbrookcenter.com, as weel as on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/OakbrookCenter and Twitter via @OakbrookCenter.

Oakbrook Center is located in Oak Brook, Ill., on the corner of Route 83 and Cermak Road just off of Interstates 88 and 294. The center features a unique collection of more than 160 shops and restaurants. Shopping hours are: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For complete information, please visit www.oakbrookcenter.com or call 630/573-0700.

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