Oswego: Show Us Your Lights

Share photos and videos of your holiday display on Patch.

By now, you should know about Patch’s “Deck the House” contest, which launched this month and gives dedicated decorators the chance to win $100,000 for their local school district by entering photos or videos of their holiday light displays. (You can check out Oswego entries and cast your vote by clicking here.) But we can’t all be Clark Griswold. Maybe your holiday display is a little more low key — or maybe you’re just not the contest-entering type. That’s no reason to hide your light. We think your holiday display deserves to be shared. So we’re asking Oswego holiday decorators to upload their photos and videos (just click the button that says “upload photos and videos”) here on Patch. While you’re at it, be sure to include your address…

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Village of Oswego Hosts Annual Christmas Walk and Activities

Several days full of winter-themed fun start this Friday, Dec. 7 with the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Oswego.

Increased Traffic Congestion and Delays Expected for Christmas Walk

Oswego Police advise alternate routes through the downtown area on Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8.

Editor's Note: The following is from a press release issued by the Oswego Police Department:   The Village of Oswego Police Department is reminding the public to expect increased traffic congestion and delays in Oswego Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 due to Christmas Walk activities. Motorists should expect delays in particular while traveling on US Route 34 through the downtown area and near Douglas Road. Delays on Madison, Washington and Main Streets in the downtown Oswego area are also expected. There will be delays in the downtown area in particular on Friday, Dec. 7 between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. due to the Christmas Walk. Motorists may want to consider alternate routes around these areas if they are not coming in for the…

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Blackberry Farm Polar Express: On Track to Holiday Cheer

Weekly musings from Jeff Long, public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District.

The four-day respite that kicks off on Thanksgiving Day is always welcome, especially when it involves the celebration of family, friends and other things we cherish most, like food, football and naps. The holiday season has officially begun, as tomorrow’s Black Friday hysteria will evidence. This seasonal segue always happens quickly. No sooner do autumn leaves fall when the glittering lights of Christmas begin to multiply. Soon, neighborhoods and towns will be aglow in holiday spirit. For as magical as this transformation is, we’re four weeks behind Cori Buis, who’s been busily preparing Blackberry Farm with dazzling displays of holiday cheer. Next Saturday, it all comes to life as the Polar Express train takes to the track for the first…

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Oswego Gives Thanks: Readers Share The Reasons They're Thankful This Year

Share your gratitude with your friends and neighbors on this day of thanks.

Thanksgiving. A holiday steeped in American tradition. A day not only to test the limits of what should and should not be deep fried in a vat of boiling oil, but to also give thanks. At Patch, we’re most thankful for our readers and the communities we serve. Without you there would be no Patch, and we’re truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you.  But we want to know what you’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving. We asked our Facebook friends last week the same question and below are some of their responses. We’d like to hear from you, too. So, please leave your thoughts of gratitude in the comments section below.  Kari G. My husband and family, the opportunity to attend nursing school, and the willpower to quit smoking as of Oct. …

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Holiday Pet Food Drive to Benefit Kendall County Food Pantry

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 15.

The Volunteers of “Friends for Kendall County Animals”, coordinated by Rebecca Wilhelmi, are sponsoring a Holiday Pet Food Drive to benefit the Pet Food Department at the Kendall County Food Pantry. Through Dec. 15, a number of drop off locations are providing bins to hold donated pet food to provide the clients of the KCFP with food for their pets.

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Village of Oswego Hosts Annual Christmas Walk and Activities

Several days full of winter-themed fun start on Dec. 7 with the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Oswego.

Editor's Note: The following is a press release provided by the Village of Oswego: The Village of Oswego invites you to the annual Christmas Walk Celebration, held on Friday to Sunday, Dec. 7-9 throughout Oswego. The festivities kick-off on Friday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Oswego.  The night will begin with the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Silent, Illuminated Fire Truck parade will make its way down Main Street. Fire trucks from Oswego and other local fire departments will participate in this annual event. Other activities throughout the night include Toyland Train rides, the Sledding Hill (giant slide),  ice skating rink, ice carving demonstrations, strolling carolers and characters, holiday music, kids …

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Natalie Stevens

2:22 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012

Stephen, if you would like to post that as an announcement or an event on the site I can shoot it off around our social media feeds!   more ›

Local Area Volunteer Opportunities

A collection of volunteer opportunities throughout the area.

Looking to do something nice for others? Check out our list of volunteer opportunities in the area. Most were found via volunteermatch.com. If you or your organization is in need of volunteers for an upcoming event or project, please add them in the comments below. When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: Old Post Elementary What: A great opportunity for your children to shop in a safe and fun environment.  We will have elves available to guide the children with their choices, keep them on budget, and even help them wrap up their gifts.   Please come and join in on the fun! As always, volunteers are greatly needed (junior high age or older).  Contact:  Colleen Scaramuzzi at Michael_J_Scaramuzzi@yahoo.com or phone at(630) 554-9551.  When: …

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