Hey, if I were turning 125 years old I would definitely expect a blowout bash. And that is just what the Village will be hosting this Sunday, Jan. 30, in honor of the quasquicentennial celebration.

Festivities will take place at McClure Junior High from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and several special events are planned throughout the day to showcase the grand milestone.

Here’s a quick peek at the celebration schedule (and take note, it was recently updated!)

1 p.m. Welcome

1:05 p.m. Choral program featuring McClure 6th grade and Laidlaw 4th and 5th grades

2 p.m. Salute to the Citizens of the Year and award ceremony

2:30 p.m. Introduction of legislators and reading of Illinois proclamation

2:50 p.m. Choral program featuring the Montessori School of Western Springs

2:55 p.m. Choral program featuring the Grand Avenue Preschool

3 p.m. “Happy Birthday Western Springs” lead by the Tower Chorale

3:05 p.m. Presentation of Kirschbaum’s Cake and Choral Program featuring the Tower Chorale

3:20 p.m. Photograph of current and past village presidents and trustees, and photograph of current and past Citizens of the Year

3:30 p.m. World Academy of Irish Dancers

4 p.m. Choral program featuring the District 106 “Show Choir”

4:30 p.m. Lighting of celebratory bonfire on the McClure Field

After you’ve had your fill of music and cake, make sure to slip on your ice skates and head over to the open field at McClure. There you will find a synthetic, all-weather ice rink that promises to not be affected by anything Mother Nature decides to throw at us come the weekend. Don’t own any skates? You are in luck as there will be bountiful blades available for use at no charge. 

If you need more ice time, make sure you don’t miss the amazing ice sculptures that will be carved on site by a master ice sculptor.

A trip over to the Thomas Ford Memorial Library for some storytime will give you a respite from the weather and a chance to warm up those cold fingers and toes. And to really get your heat moving, head back into the gym at McClure for arts and crafts with the kiddies.

However you feel like celebrating this weekend, make sure you do it in style. After all, you only turn 125 once.

Happy birthday, Western Springs!