BY ANNA HERKAMP
DANVILLE — Kennekuk County Park’s historic Bunker Hill area soon will be aglow with holiday warmth and cheer.
The annual open house and lighting event is set to take place Sunday.
The free event allows locals to take a mule-drawn hayride through the decorated buildings, listen to old holiday radio programs while warming up in the 1912 Neff Grocery store and listen to live music by Ted and Pat Cundiff at the Red Oak School.
The buildings will be open for touring from 2-6 p.m. Many will showcase trees that were featured at the Festival of Trees this year.
The Atwood Home Farmhouse and 1818 Vermilion Chapel also will be open for viewing, but won’t be heated.
The county’s Conservation District will provide refreshments free.
The Bunker Hill buildings’ Christmas lights will be turned on at dusk, about the time most people usually arrive, said Lara Darling, a volunteer coordinator for the Vermilion County Conservation District.
“The lights are turned on at dusk on the 13th and they’re on every single night until 8 p.m. until the New Year,” Darling said.
The radio programs playing at the Neff store might bring to mind the movie “A Christmas Story,” with images of the main character Ralphie dutifully listening to his favorite show, she added.
The Cundiffs were wildly popular in years past. They’re back this year after taking a couple of years off, Darling said.
Their repertoire includes holiday favorites and childhood classics.
About 300 people are drawn to the event every year.
BUNKER HILL HOLIDAY
The Kennekuk County Park Bunker Hill historic buildings will be open 2-6 p.m. Sunday for the annual holiday open house. Live music, refreshments and a mule-drawn hayride will be included in the evening. There is no fee for admission. Call 442-1691 for more information.
