Buffalo Grove to host open house as part of 50th anniversary events

Buffalo Grove village government will offer its residents a six-hour window into its inner workings this Sunday.

The village will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

All the town's departments will be at the village campus, at 50 Raupp Blvd., to show off what they do.

The police department will also give an open house tour of parts of the building that most residents probably have never seen, such as the holding cell and firing range.

"I think everybody, especially children, are going to be excited to see that," said Jane Olson, deputy village clerk.

A helicopter will also land on St. Mary's field later in the day, and the fire department will have a demonstration on smoke detectors that will include a live burning.

The event will include free ice cream and hot dogs, donated by Culver's and Wiener Take All, plus birthday cake also donated by local businesses.

"We just wanted everyone to see exactly what the village has to offer," Olson said.

Village staff will be on hand to talk to residents one on one about any complaints or issues they have.

The zoning staff can also answer questions on home improvement issues or code problems, Olson said.

"Everyone will be as visible and accessible as possible," she said.

The village will also be giving out free compact fluorescent light bulbs in an effort to help residents go "green."

Buffalo Grove received 10,000 bulbs from the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County and will give two bulbs to each resident at the open house.

Other agencies, such as the library and the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, will also have displays on the environment.

Anniversary paraphernalia, such as keychains, notecards, a CD of Buffalo Grove history and commemorative license plates, will also be on sale.

"All the departments have come together and really supported the 50th anniversary and come up with ideas for things we can do," Olson said.

For more information, visit www.vbg.org.

Buffalo Grove 50th anniversary event

An open house will take place on the village campus, 50 Raupp Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is available after 1 p.m. at St. Mary church.

11 a.m.: Police dog demo

Noon: Helicopter landing

2 p.m.: Burn unit demonstration

3 p.m.: Police department tour