Thousands of people from all over Northwest Indiana converged on Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso on December 7, 2012 to bask in the holiday spirit for Valpo’s annual Holly Days event.
“Holly Days has always been such a successful event in the 30-plus years it has taken place,” explained Tina St. Aubin, executive director of Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events, the host of the event. “It is the real meaning of community with all the businesses out greeting the people and donating delicious goods.”
Families and friends braved the brisk, rainy evening as children enjoyed the rides on the holiday train while attendees were treated to ice sculpting, a live nativity scene, live music, and much more.
“My favorite part about the event is just the all around happiness of everyone. It's a good sense of community,” continued St. Aubin.
Elena Jambrina of Don Quijote Restaurant, one of the vendors in Central Park, commented on her love of the Holly Days tradition. “"My favorite part of the event is the live nativity scene,” she said. “It takes me back to when I first moved to this country in the 80's. I was an angel in the our live nativity scene."
Don Quijote was just one of the many local vendors who served goods and great food, giving event-goers some great meals to keep warm on the chilly night.
"We served cream of butternut soup to the community tonight,” explained Jambrina. “The butternut squash came directly from Carlos's garden, which is still thriving right now."
Claire Hagen, a Portage resident who traveled to Valparaiso for the event, was impressed with the Valparaiso staple event. “I really loved the atmosphere of the event. My favorite things to see were the carolers and the tour of the museum,” she said.
Click here for photos from the 2012 Holly Days event.
For more information on the Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events, visit their website and “Like” their Facebook page!