Hundreds Dine with Santa for Sturtevant Fireworks

The Sturtevant Fireworks Committee knows how to put together an event.

Led by Sturtevant Trustee Linda Busha, the group coordinates one of the best-attended annual celebrations in the region. But because the fireworks are not part of the annual village budget, Busha and her team host two major fundraising events each year; the mostaccioli dinner with Santa in December and the pancake breakfast/Easter egg hunt in the spring.

Additionally, area businesses and a list of area residents a mile long throw their extra change in collection buckets, write checks and spend money at the Fireworks Festival every July 3rd at Firemen's Park.

On Saturday, hundreds of kids of all ages enjoyed a festive mostaccioli dinner with all the fixings like fresh Italian bread, salad, and cookies donated by DeRango's, and Lehman's and O&H Bakeries. When the original selection of red, green and yellow sprinkled cookies ran out, Ralph Malicki from Piggly Wiggly on Washington Avenue welcomed us to his store to stock up on more.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Suzuki players during the first part of the evening and the Washington Park High School choir to close out the evening.

Baskets filled with amazing things lined one side of the room at Village Hall for lucky winners at the end of the night, and of course, that jolliest of elves occupied the chair of honor at the front of the room ready to hear the fondest wish of youngsters.

Thanks to everyone who pitched in to make the night a great success and the folks who ventured out to eat dinner and mingle with the community.