There will be pugs.
Reindeer and the sleigh-ride horse aren’t the only Christmas fauna scheduled to make an appearance during Friday’s Holiday Walk on Madison Street.
Store owners in Forest Park are busily working to present the most unusual and humorous window displays for the Nov. 30 kickoff to the holiday shopping season. One shop owner, who chooses to keep identity secret, will feature several rotund fuzzy dogs, aka pugs, in costume and on display.
“You’ve never seen anything like it — not even on State Street,” said Laurie Kokenes, Forest Park’s Chamber of Commerce and Development executive director.
The chamber will also sponsor a marshmallow roast and face painting.
With temperatures predicted in the mid-40s, the weather should cooperate, Kokenes said.
“After we light the tree at 6, Santa will go to the lobby of Forest Park National Bank for photo ops,” she said.
Also in the bank lobby, 7348 Madison, the Historical Society of Forest Park will unveil their new “Forest Parkopoly” board game for sale. The Monopoly-like game represents 55 businesses and organizations around Forest Park and features many historic photographs. Sold as a fundraiser for the Historical Society, the game can be purchased for 10 percent off with a membership to the society, board President Augie Aleksy said.
“This game makes a great Christmas gift for anyone in Forest Park or people who have moved out of town,” said Aleksy.
The Holiday Walk has become a tradition in Forest Park, said Kokenes. Merchants are working hard to make it “better than ever,” she said. “Consolidated Auto Service Center is the title sponsor this year, and we are really appreciative,” she said.
