Rolling Meadows' traditional holiday events in new locations this year

The city of Rolling Meadows will kick off old holiday traditions in new locations this year at its annual Holiday Celebration.

The events begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, with the holiday tree-lighting at a new location, the Rolling Meadows Historical Museum, 3100 Central Road.

Santa will arrive on a fire truck to light the tree with other special guests, including Rolling Meadows elected officials, Illinois state representatives, the Rolling Meadows High School Madrigal Singers and local Girl Scouts.

The Historical Museum will be open for retro holiday tours of the 1955 replica home from Rolling Meadows' first years as a city.

Palatine Area School District 15 buses will transport residents-in-need to the events. Complimentary goodies, hot cocoa and coffee will be served.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., a free spaghetti dinner will be served, also at a new location - Willow Bend School, 4700 Barker Ave. Take a short walk or ride a horse-drawn wagon along Barker Avenue to the school.

The dinner, which will include drinks and desserts, while supplies last, will be served free to all Rolling Meadows residents. Santa will be on hand visiting with guests and posing for photos in his holiday scene.

"We have served approximately 450 people at this dinner each year," Lori Ciezak, assistant to the city manager, stated in a news release.

For details, call (847) 394-8500, ext. 1002, or visit www.cityrm.org.

The city acknowledges the following groups that help make this event special: The Rolling Meadows Community Events Foundation volunteers, Rolling Meadows Historical Society, Willow Bend School, District 15, Rolling Meadows High School Madrigal Singers, Rolling Meadows Senior Center Wood Shop, Plum Creek Supportive Living, Trinity Lutheran Church and the Rolling Meadows Park District.