Wonderland Was Magical

East North Broadway looking west

More than 75 years ago there was a tradition on North Broadway to sled down the street at Christmas. This year the North Broadway Street Association closed North Broadway on the day after Christmas to resurrect that tradition.

I did not expect to want to stand in the cold for five hours, hot chocolate or not, but the experience was magical. Walking down the empty street toward the party was eerie. The energy of the cars seemed to still be there at first, as folks congregated on the sidewalks on either side of the street, and I know we all checked up and down the street when we crossed even though police were posted at each end. Stopping in the middle of the street to look west, I was shocked at how far one can see – I’ve never had the opportunity to view our street from that perspective before. It was like traveling in time, not a car on the street! The kids quickly took advantage of the space, riding their bikes, go-carts and scooters from Santa. All traffic concerns were forgotten by the time of the kickball game (although the kids took an early lead, the adults clinched the game).

The Chili Cook-Off was a tremendous success. White chili, Spanish chili, roadkill chili, spicy, sweet, no two were alike.

We would like to thank our neighbors on Oakland Park who endured detoured traffic. We’d like to thank Brian Peterson of the Paul Peterson Company who provided the road closure signs. Also, thank you to more than 100 attendees, including neighbors from Acton, Arden, Beaumont, W. Como, Glenmont, Lincoln, Northridge, Oakland Park, Orchard Lane, Pacemont, Piedmont, Richards, West North Broadway and other areas of Clintonville celebrated our first annual community winter celebration with us. It will only get better!

Tractor rides for the kids