Months of planning goes into making Holiday Magic

STREAMWOOD — In six years, Holiday Magic has established itself as not only the largest holiday event in Edgewater, but the largest event the community hosts all year.

This year’s edition, held Dec. 9 at the Seville in Streamwood, drew about 300 residents to a brunch and dessert served both to tables and buffet-style.

The serving style was new this year, but guests had signed up well in advance based on the event’s reputation and their experiences in years past.

“We like the service, and the food is superb,” Carl Menconi, who has attended several times with his wife, Rose, said.

Holiday Magic brought nearly one-fifth of Edgewater together this year, and guests said it creates an excellent opportunity to socialize.

Pat Thorne listed “the camaraderie, the fun, [and] the food,” as her reasons for attending.

Decorations, lighting, and music from the live jazz band were intended to make people of all faiths feel comfortable while still evoking a festive spirit.

A slideshow created by Lifestyle Director Carrie Schneider displayed photos taken throughout the year of various Edgewater events and groups, serving as a sort of year in review.

“The decorations are beautiful, the music is good, the food¬ – I don’t know about today, it should be good. It’s a good menu. How could they mess up breakfast?” Rose Ann Steckbeck said prior to the food being served.

Each year, Holiday Magic holds a silent auction for charity to help those in need. This year, all proceeds from the auction went to Little Angels, an Elgin-based foundation that helps children and young adults suffering from cognitive and physical disabilities. Little Angels provides a home- and daily care for those it serves.

The event also raised funds for Creekside Lodge through a 50/50 raffle.

“It’s just a big challenge, but we’ve got wonderful committee members, and every committee has their responsibility and they all work and do their job. And we come here and everything just comes together,” Margaret Fosse, co-chair said on planning Holiday Magic.

Part of the festivities was dedicated to presenting the new co-chairs who will take the reins for next year’s celebration. Current co-chair Judy Stoney introduced the new members: Sharon Fisher-Larson, Rose Ann Steckbeck, and Tom Lauterback.

“I’ve always been on the social planners’ committee, and I’ve always marveled at how well the event was produced,” Lauterback said. “I just sat back and ate and enjoyed myself; it was wonderful.”

Lauterback and the other new co-chairs will not have too much time to soak in the spirited glow of this year’s brunch: their work planning next year’s event begins in January.

Following introduction of new officers, the mic was turned over to Community Association Manager Lyn Haars and Lifestyles Director Carrie Schneider, who offered a toast to the community.

“Thanks for the friends that we have, the family, the food we’re going to share today, the fun times, the sad times, the good times, everything that we’ve shared in the past year and [looking] forward to the year ahead,” Haars said.

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