The highly anticipated countdown to Glenview's annual Happy Afternoon party wowed children and their families when 1,500 colorful balloons dropped from a wide net at Park Center on Dec. 31.
On Dec. 30, it took Glenview Park District staff about three hours to inflate the balloons for the New Year's celebration, said Kara Graber, director of fine arts and recreation for the Glenview Park District. It featured balloons in a variety of colors, including silver and clear ones with confetti.
The 90-minute event had 185 registered children, meaning there were between 400 and 500 people in attendance when you add parents and loving chaperones such as grandparents, Graber said.
The Glenview Park neighborhood has a lot to look forward to in 2026, Graber said.
“There are many new and exciting things to come in 2026,” Graber said. “We’re just excited about the new changes here.”
Graber said the Splash Landings pool at Park Center is being renovated in time for a late fall opening.
“There will also be a new pool, so get ready for some fun and excitement in 2026,” Graber said.
The afternoon party was held in the large gymnasium at Park Center. Large holiday themed inflatables kept the kids busy.
Other amenities included face painting, guided dancing and games, and the popular round rainbow parachute, open to keep children entertained until the balloon dropped.
Five-year-old Thomas Nebel, a kindergarten student from Glenview, drew a blue shark on his face. His 3-year-old sister Ava was also in attendance along with their mother Chelsea Nebel.
“It was wonderful,” Chelsea Nebel said of raising her family in Glenview. “We just loved it.”
Five-year-old Davy DeClean, a kindergartener from Glenview, was accompanied by his grandparents “Pops” and “Honey,” aka Chris and Judy Berno of Glenview.
Judy Berno said, “I just love it” about the call with Davy in 2026.
Zandra Hosbayar of Glenview brought her 4-year-old daughter Mishil with her. For the occasion, Mishil wore a festive headband with a festive gift box.
Michel's mother said they were there “just to have fun and have an early New Year's party.”
Many families posed at the 2026 Step and Repeat station, including Ashhad and Annie Ghazi of Glenview and their children Alina, 3, and Mustafa, 1.
Ashhad Ghazi hoped that the family would have a “healthy, successful year and a lot of happiness” in 2026.
