PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SIGN UP
ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE: INDIVIDUALS,
FAMILIES(18+AND OLDER), AND GROUPS!
📆 Sign-up deadline: Ensure you sign up by November 10th to secure your spot and be automatically entered into our raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card! The lucky winner will be drawn and receive the gift card on the event day.
🙏 Volunteer-Powered Event: We deeply appreciate your support, as this district-wide event relies on the dedication of volunteers like you. Thank you for helping make it possible! 🌟
Dear Enchanting Volunteers,
The most magical time of the year is nearly upon us, and we need your help to make it even more enchanting! The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® is less than two months away, on Saturday, November 18th. We're summoning a team of volunteers to add a sprinkle of magic to the event, and we'd be absolutely delighted if you and your band of merry elves (aged 18 and older) would be willing to serve as our charming Block Elves for the parade. We're on the quest for 50 volunteers to join our mystical ranks!
Here are the enchanting details:
🕒 Event Hours: Our journey begins at 3:00 p.m. to embark on the quest for parking. Once that's secured, all of you wonderful volunteers must convene in front of 625 North Michigan Avenue by 3:30 p.m. This is where you shall receive your ceremonial jackets and magical supplies. After a brief respite of approximately one hour, we shall assume our designated positions. The grand parade is set to commence at 5:30 p.m., and our magical spellbinding duties will continue until 7:00 p.m.
🎉 Parade Revelry: As the grand marshals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, donned in their holiday finery, lead the parade between Oak Street and Wacker Drive along The Magnificent Mile, you'll be there to usher in the holiday season with enchantment. Keep an eye out for some familiar friends of Mickey and Minnie, who shall also grace us with their presence during the parade.
🌟 Front Row to Enchantment: As our honored Block Elves, you'll have the best seats in the realm for all the parade's wondrous moments. Get ready to be utterly enchanted by the following:
🎶 Celebrity Serenades: The night will be set aglow with celebrity performances that will warm every heart. Sister Sledge will deliver love in generous family-sized portions. The Funky Bunch will infuse the atmosphere with 'Good Vibrations,' and The Sugar Hill Gang shall lead a jubilant celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
🎵 Marching to the Magic: Joining this mystical procession are four remarkable marching bands hailing from the lands of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Alabama. Their harmonious melodies will fill the air and elevate the enchantment.
🥁 Drumline Delights: The Crystal Lake Strikers Drumline, with their rhythmic prowess, will weave a spellbinding rhythm, captivating the hearts of all who hear. They shall be joined by Wintrust's cherished sports mascots, adding a touch of whimsy to the parade's enchanting charm.
🎅 The Grand Finale: Brace yourselves for the grandest enchantment of them all! The climax of our journey will feature none other than the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus. He will ride in splendor upon the majestic Wintrust float, officially heralding the start of the holiday season.
With your front-row vantage point, you'll be in the midst of this enchanting spectacle, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for joining us on this magical quest!
🎆 The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular: The pinnacle of our enchanting celebration shall be The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular over the Chicago River at 7 p.m., casting a shimmering glow across the city.
Will you join us in weaving this enchanting tapestry of holiday magic? We're here to answer any questions about your noble quest or the event itself. Together, let's create a night to remember!
Yours in Magic,
Tricia Ponicki
🌟 Important Enchanted Guidelines 🌟
As you embark on this magical journey, here are some essential reminders to ensure our event is nothing short of enchanting:
🌦️ Weatherproof Pledge: Our enchanting event is an all-weather spectacle, prepared to dazzle under any sky - be it rain, snow, shine, or even the freezing cold, the parade will triumph! We kindly request that you sign up only if you can make a wholehearted commitment to this magical journey.
❗ No Last-Minute Retreats!: The enchantment relies on having every elf present for this grand event. We kindly ask that you refrain from last-minute cancellations. We need every elf to have their boots on the ground, ensuring the success of this enchanting adventure!
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating magic, and may our event shine brighter than any weather forecast! 🌟❄️🌟
🧝♂️ Elf Attire Magic: Embrace your inner elf and dress the part in dazzling elf colors! To truly become one with the magic, you'll need to bring your enchanted Elf Hat, Elf Scarf, Elf Gloves, and Elf Socks (to be worn over your pants). This attire shall help us brave the elements while looking fabulous in true elf fashion.
Let the enchantment begin, and may the magic of this event light up the night! 🌟✨🎩🧣🧤🧦
NOVEMBER 22nd IS THE DAY OF THE EVENT, AND YOU WILL MEET US AT 625 N. MICHIGAN AVE IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING DOORS AT 3:00 PM BEFORE THE POLICE START CLOSING THE STREETS OFF; YOU MUST CHECK IN WITH THE HEAD ELF MRS. PONICKI NO LATER THAN 3:30 PM
ONCE YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW, YOU WILL BE INVITED TO THE HUB ELVES ZOOM MEETING ON NOVEMBER 17TH AT 7:30 P.M.
Here's the "Hoot" You Need to Know Before You Sign Up! 🎉
This event is an absolute blast, offering you prime spots to witness the enchanting parade!
We're on the lookout for 50 enthusiastic volunteers, affectionately known as Elves, who can fully commit to this extraordinary event.
✨ The BCA Hub is Commanding 5 Blocks: We'll be overseeing 5 vibrant blocks in total, and we require 10 marvelous individuals per block.
🙅♂️ Please Only Pledge if You Can Attend: We wholeheartedly rely on your commitment. To put it candidly, last-minute excuses on the day before or the day of the parade put us in a challenging position.
🎉 Energetic, Fun, and Creative Elves Wanted: To keep your block entertained until the parade commences, you should be brimming with energy, a zest for fun, and a creative spirit.
🚶♀️ Be Ready to Walk and Stand: You must be physically fit to walk your block and travel to and from your vehicle or the train station.
🚗 Arrive Early: Arriving before 3:00 PM is strongly recommended to secure parking or take the train.
👨👩👧👦 Fun for the Family: Kid-friendly activities are abundant until 3:00 PM. Bring along another responsible adult to oversee your children under 18. Your family can enjoy the festivities right in your designated block.
🕒 Meeting Time: We gather between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM since the entire Michigan Ave street shuts down starting at 3:30 PM.
🎅 End of Your Shift: Once Santa Claus has graced your block, your shift concludes, allowing you to relish the remainder of the parade.
Let's create magic together and make this event a phenomenal success! 🌟✨🧝♀️🧝♂️
CHECK OUT OUR PICTURES FROM OUR LAST YEARS PARADE
