Burlington gearing up for Christmas

Tree lighting, decorating contest in the works

BURLINGTON — As this village moves toward passing responsibility for planning its special events onto a committee of volunteers from outside the village board, Village President Kathy Loos introduced the leader of that committee to other board members at their last meeting.

Sort of.

Loos said the woman, named Darlene, prefers to be known only by her first name, lest too many people realize she likes to volunteer for things and ask her to do too many other activities. But Loos had said previously that "Darlene" lives in Hampshire and works for a park district or park department in the area.

For awhile, Darlene will work closely with the board members as she works to recruit a committee of fellow volunteers to plan everything from Fall Fest to the Fourth of July event. But first on the agenda is Christmas in Burlington, which Darlene discussed in depth with the trustees.

They decided the event will kick off Nov. 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and will take place along Main Street just south of the railroad track. An 18-foot fur tree donated by Trustee Betty Reiser and her husband, William, will be lighted at 6 p.m. as the official Burlington Christmas tree. The tree already has been planted. Carolers, Santa Claus and refreshments will round out the evening.

Homeowners and business people can participate in a holiday decorating contest, which will be judged the night of Dec. 21. Prizes will go to first- and second-place winners.

Artists age 10 and younger can participate in a coloring contest by picking up pictures at the village hall, the BP service station, Old Second Bank or Tracy's Beauty Shop and turning them in to the village hall by Dec. 21.