EVANSTON — Families in pajamas decorated cookies, drank hot cocoa and played with delight at Evanston’s Machine Shop on Friday, Dec. 8, as the Evanston Youth Club for Boys and Girls hosted the North Pole Carnival. 

In addition to cookies and cocoa, kids were able to participate in multiple activities like Christmas slime making, Frosty Says, Holiday Twister, writing letters to Santa, a bouncy house and an indoor giant “snowball” fight. Santa Claus himself showed up about halfway through the evening. 

Youth club director Holly Slade said youth who attend the club have been planning the event for months and more than 80 club teens attended and volunteered. “We did not intend to raise funds from this event,” she said. “Instead, it is a way for our youth to learn the value of giving back to our great community that gives so much to them.” 

She said the carnival provides an opportunity for young people to learn about responsibility, teamwork and service. Teen Jessica Ibarra dressed as Frosty the Snowman to lead kids in games of “Frosty Says.” “I’m having a lot of fun — a lot,” Ibarra said with a grin. 

Other club members dressed as elves or train conductors to punch tickets at the various activity booths, in keeping with the Polar Express theme of the evening. 

Multiple local organizations sponsored the carnival, including Evanston Regional Hospital, NGL Connection, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union and Rocky Mountain Power. Slade said those sponsorships allowed the club to cover all costs associated with the event. 

Slade said club members already have ideas and are looking forward to next year. Her enthusiasm and pride in local youth showing some holiday spirit was readily apparent.

“I was so impressed with our club members, many from lower economic statuses, giving what they could give — of themselves,” Slade said. “As the Grinch said, ‘Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.’”