by Jan Bahr
Though a bit chillier than was hoped for, New Year’s started at 11:00 am in a “heated” tent on the soccer field with a spectacular kids’ event, which included, games, crafts, lunch and all topped off by a balloon
animal making magician named The Amazing Gary! A fun afternoon for kids of all ages!
Once the children left a small group of incredibly talented decorating elves took over and by the time more than 230 partygoers young and old arrived to ring in the New Year in typical Tower Lakes friendly fashion, they were transported into the Après Ski surroundings of a true Rocky Mountain ski lodge complete with fireplace and mounted moose head. The mountain views from the shuttered windows were spectacular, while the snowflakes and stars twinkled overhead.
Residents and their guests enjoyed cocktails or hot toddies when they arrived and then dined on a sumptuous buffet of comfort foods, including hand carved prime rib and a mashed potato station. They then worked those calories off on the dance floor, boogying down to the oldies and the up-to-the-minute hits. Though wacky ski hats were abundant, the winners of the Wackiest Ski Hat Contest were 3rd Place – Steven Burgoon, 2nd Place – Heidi Davey, and….ta da! 1st Place – Anne Hay
We rang in the year with party hats and noisemakers supplied by the *Tower Lakes Community Foundation and a champagne toast provided by ZaZa’s Tavola and a delightfully, impressive balloon drop followed by lots of stompin’ and poppin’!
Guests went home happy, a little chilled but with warm hearts and high hopes for a great things to come in 2015! 
The NYE Committee would like to extend our thanks to the following for their help and support
TLIA : Donation for tent
TLCF: Donation for tent, party hats and noisemakers
*Save the Date: October 9 for OKTOBERFEST 2015!
Village of Tower Lakes: Police support
Living 60010 : Kids’ Magic Show
Animal Hospital at the Shores: Children’s Crafts
Mantus Tautkus/Edward Jones : Appetizers
Za Za’s Tavola: Champagne Toast
The Fabulous Beer and Beverage Boys: Tom Bolger, Steve Burgoon, Jeff Dehnert, John Gillett, Joe, Sue and John Kainz and Mike Rigali
Our Vendor Partners: Taylor/Party Plus in Palatine, Catered Productions, Rental Max in Lake Zurich and Van’s Electric, The amazing Gary, Chicago DJs and Binny’s Beverage Depot
