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Article updated: 12/16/2012 8:11 AM

Supporters celebrate Nativity at Arlington Heights park

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Jim Finnegan, director of the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee, speaks while standing in front of the Nativity scene added Saturday to the holiday lights displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

Rev. Bill Zavaski, pastor of Saint James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, blesses the newly added Nativity scene Saturday at North School Park in Arlington Heights. The Illinois Nativity Scene Committee hosted a ceremony after receiving a permit to display the Nativity until Jan. 6.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

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After a few weeks of controversy, a Nativity scene has been added to holiday displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights. Sponsored by the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee, the display is separated from other holiday decorations by a small fence and a sign.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

Atheist activist Rob Sherman of Buffalo Grove Saturday in front of the Nativity scene that was added to the holiday displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights. The Nativity rests by itself in the northwest corner of the park.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

The Arlington Heights Park District placed this sign in near the Nativity scene installed Saturday in North School Park to explain the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee's First Amendment right to display it there separate from other holiday decorations.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus sit in a barn under an angel in this Nativity scene now displayed at North School Park in Arlington Heights.

JOE LEWNARD | Staff Photographer

About this Article

A majority Catholic crowd with at least one atheist gathered Saturday afternoon to mark the opening of the controversial Nativity scene now displayed at North School Park in Arlington Heights. "It's great to see the toys in the park, but what can be better than to see the baby Jesus to refresh why we celebrate Christmas," said Sue McPherrin of Arlington Heights.

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    • Jim Finnegan, director of the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee, speaks while standing in front of the Nativity scene added Saturday to the holiday lights displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights.
    • Rev. Bill Zavaski, pastor of Saint James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, blesses the newly added Nativity scene Saturday at North School Park in Arlington Heights. The Illinois Nativity Scene Committee hosted a ceremony after receiving a permit to display the Nativity until Jan. 6.
    • After a few weeks of controversy, a Nativity scene has been added to holiday displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights. Sponsored by the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee, the display is separated from other holiday decorations by a small fence and a sign.
    • Atheist activist Rob Sherman of Buffalo Grove Saturday in front of the Nativity scene that was added to the holiday displays at North School Park in Arlington Heights. The Nativity rests by itself in the northwest corner of the park.
    • The Arlington Heights Park District placed this sign in near the Nativity scene installed Saturday in North School Park to explain the Illinois Nativity Scene Committee’s First Amendment right to display it there separate from other holiday decorations.
    • Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus sit in a barn under an angel in this Nativity scene now displayed at North School Park in Arlington Heights.
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