It's that time of year

At least it is here in Chicago, starting tonight with the 18th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.


But this was quite a day for families overall, actually. Before the lights festival, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library system held the 16th annual Bookamania. And it had Dad wondering, "How did we miss this last year?"

Bookamania was four hours long. Dad and Levynn were there only for the last two, after lunch, and we realized that we could have been there the entire time and not run out of things to do. It is, hands down, one of the very best family events we've attended.

There were more than 25 activities, all inspired by specific children's books; two professional musical theater performances of the book "Click, Clack, Moo" in the auditorium; another stage with constant entertainment; a third area for more quiet performances, like readings; author and illustrator appearances; and wandering storybook characters. And any kid who completed seven activities (they got a stamp in a "passport" for each one) was able to pick a free book to take home. (Thanks again, Target.)

The book "Duck! Rabbit!" prompted this activity. Levynn cut out the figure, guessed whether it was a duck or a rabbit, and then got a better look.

Duck?

Rabbit?

She signed the Fairytale Guest Book for the King and Queen.

She high-fived a Wild Thing.

But TheatreworksUSA's "Click, Clack, Moo" was the coup de grace.



Dad and Levynn met Mom and Lincoln at the Tribune. We all had to fight crowds to get there, with people waiting for the lights festival parade or listening to a popular band performing in the Trib's courtyard. But Dad and the kids joined Mom in the building, where we were allowed a privileged view of the parade.



Mickey Mouse was the grand marshal, and the holiday lights along Michigan Ave. were lit for the first time as he made his way down the street.

The kids lost patience in our perch in the Trib newsroom's kitchen; we weren't in the cold, but we also weren't close to the action. So Dad, Levynn and Lincoln started for home before the parade ended, and we actually were able to see some things as we walked.



Maybe next year we'll do it like everyone else.