Pleasant Prairie’s annual Twelfth Night bonfire lights up the night

PLEASANT PRAIRIE – The pile of naked Christmas timber lit up a bit at first, however when Nice Prairie’s annual Twelfth Evening Bonfire kicks off on Friday night, inside minutes the shore of Lake Andrea is brightly lit by a crackling bonfire.

Initially a Nice Prairie City occasion within the Nineteen Eighties, the bonfire has been revived in 2020. This yr is the third annual Twelfth Evening Bonfire since its revival, one yr aside because of the pandemic.

Nice Prairie Government Director Sarah Howard, who already has two bonfires, mentioned they decreased the incident to a “well-oiled machine”.

“What we attempt to do yearly is to make it higher, to develop it,” Howard mentioned.

For this yr, that meant including a singing trio. Friends can even get a mug in addition to drinks like sizzling chocolate and smores.

The free neighborhood occasion harks again to an English custom that claims it is unlucky to go away Christmas decorations hanging after 6 January, the twelfth evening of Christmas.

“After we discovered in regards to the Nineteen Eighties custom, we needed to revive it,” Howard mentioned. “That is such an iconic occasion. It is a actually enjoyable approach to wrap up the vacation season.”

Village President John Steinbrink remembered the unique occasion many years in the past, when it was held within the village constructing. He mentioned that the trendy occasion held on the seashore is certainly a greater place.

“It is getting higher yearly,” Steinbrink mentioned. “For the neighborhood, the youngsters are having enjoyable, it is one thing to see and do yearly.”

Kenosha couple Nathan and Christine Poulos had been attending with their two younger kids. They mentioned it was a great way to finish the vacation season.

“A pleasant winter exercise is getting the youngsters out of the home,” Christine mentioned. “The children actually loved the cookies and sizzling chocolate.”

It was successful between the couple and Christine mentioned they’d be again sooner or later.

“We love RecPlex, we’re all the time right here to do occasions,” Christine mentioned. “That is one thing else so as to add for subsequent yr.”

Colleen Wilkinson was from San Diego along with her 6-year-old nephew, Kian Dunn. Dunn was the fortunate winner of the evening and began the bonfire countdown, changing into the occasion’s “cheerleader”.

Howard expressed his gratitude to the teams and people concerned who helped put the bonfire occasion collectively.

“It takes a village to stage an occasion like this,” Howard mentioned. “I’m extraordinarily grateful for our collaboration with the village, its numerous departments and the Nice Prairie Historical past Museum.”