The Holidays Go Green in NoLibs

If the sting of crass consumerism and over-consumption puts your little progressive heart in a bad way this holiday season, NoLibs might have the perfect antidote: the hipster ‘hood’s annual Northern Lights Holiday Kick-Off Eco Solarbration.

The event, which is only in its second year, is a twist on the traditional Christmas tree lighting. These festivities however, sport an all-inclusive, eco-friendly feel. Brought to you by the Northern Liberties Business Owners Association, the Solarbration happens Saturday, Dec. 6.

Get ready to see just what eco-energy can make. A giant 40-foot Christmas tree and equally large Menorah will brighten up Northern Liberties Liberty Lands Park. The best part? It’s totally solar powered.

The holiday happenings begin at 2 p.m. with a season block party full of special offers at the area’s shops and restaurants. Merchant booths will provide some retail therapy, and you can try your luck at the raffle party, which will feature “luxe gift baskets” plus gift certificates to local businesses. St. Nick arrives in grand fashion on a horse drawn carriage at 3 p.m.

The main event will ensue as crowds gather at 4:45 p.m. to watch the solar cells do their thing. State Rep. Mike O’Brien will flip the eco-switch, and the entire crowd can enjoy the pretty, Earth-friendly lights. Afterward, stick around for hot cocoa, hot apple cider, holiday treats, more raffle drawings and live music. Just make sure to recycle those losing raffle stubs-they double as coupons at area stores. And to put everyone’s mind at ease, once the holidays are through the holiday tree will be used to make furniture, mulch and other cool stuff.

Annual Northern Lights Holiday Kick-Off Eco Solarbration
Dec. 6, 2008
Liberty Lands Park
913-961 N. 3rd St. (between Poplar & Wildey Sts.)


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