By Dave Oberhelman
Santa cannot be stopped.
The coronavirus can't keep people from wanting to see him, either.
Normally, thousands of families and children would line the streets to watch Santa and Co. in the village's holiday celebration. In this, the 25th year of the parade, that was not possible.
"We wanted to make it big and special but it had to be COVID-style," said Glenview Chamber membership director Meghan Kearney.
Keeping with past successes this year, the Glenview Chamber of Commerce provided a "reverse" holiday parade the afternoon of Nov. 28. All 400 slots for vehicles to attend were snatched up more than a week in advance of the deadline.
"We were delighted to bring a little bit of joy to the Glenview community," said parade chairman Jerry Doetsch.
Santa was joined by holiday floats in the parking spaces opposite Jackman Park, 1930 Prairie St., as viewers drove south on Lehigh Avenue from Washington Street to Glenview Road to see the holiday attractions.
Afterward, people strolling down Glenview Road were able to vote on the most festive holiday decorations from participating retailers.
Along with Santa Claus, those at the holiday celebration included Village President Jim Patterson, state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, state Sen. Laura Fine and Cook County Board Commissioner Scott Britton. As well, School of Rock kicked out holiday jams from the lot.
"Santa gave out hundreds and hundreds of gifts to the children," said Betsy Baer, Glenview Chamber of Commerce executive director. "We were so glad that he was able to be there with us."