Tickets still available for Mount Prospect's biggest event

Mount Prospect once again launches its biggest party of the year, Saturday, Feb. 7, as it honors the best of the best in the village.

Volunteers, businesses and community organizers will be receiving awards for their contributions to the village at the 16th Annual Celestial Celebration, beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. at Bristol Courts Banquets, 828 E. Rand Road.

The cost is $40 per person.

Last year, winners were nominated for the Mount Prospect Shining Star Awards in 12 categories.

The party had a 1950s theme, called Shake, Rattle and Roll, which meant meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner.

This year's theme will be a Starrey Night in Paris. Attendees are encouraged to wear long gowns and tuxedos, said Tom Zander, a member of the village's Special Events Committee, which coordinates the event.

Also, instead of a band, a disc jockey will be entertaining guests, Zander said.

Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Awards are handed out at about 7:45 p.m. before dancing begins.

Although the economy isn't as robust as last year, the event is expected to maintain the same level of decor and entertainment as it had last year, Zander said.

It costs about $10,000 to put on the party. This year, the village will have to dip into its special events reserves from past years since it received fewer sponsors, Zander said.

There are still about 100 spots for people to sign up to attend.

Go to the village's Web site, mountprospect.org, and then click on link for celestial celebration.