Carol Stream looks toward Golden anniversary

Break out the yellow roses and violets for Carol Stream as it approaches that magical anniversary: the big 5-0.

While married couples pull out all the stops for a Golden anniversary, Carol Stream leaders are opting for a more low-key approach. They're talking about infusing a little bit of the big date into each of the village's major events throughout 2009.

Carol Stream was incorporated on Jan. 5, 1959, after Wheaton developer Jay Stream built the first subdivisions and hand-picked the town's first leaders. The town itself even was named for his daughter, Carol.

The village board met Monday to discuss the possibilities for various anniversary celebrations and decided to bypass any one big, specific event or series of activities, Assistant Village Manager Chris Oakley said.

They even considered the possibility of creating a history book to mark the occasion. That, however, was rejected for the sole reason it's too time-consuming and costly to undertake, Oakley said.

Instead, trustees want to explore ways to make sure the anniversary plays a prominent role during the village's annual Fourth of July parade and also at the Summer in the Center festival. One possible option would include capping off the fest with fireworks on the last night as a nod to the milestone, Oakley said.

Artists now are working on logo designs for the yearlong recognition and trustees might consider using the logo on street light banners throughout the village. They plan to meet again in late September or early October to finalize plans for the anniversary.