Suburbs brighten up for the holidays

Arlington Heights' North School Park was full of people Friday evening when Bridgit and Pierce Finnerty and their aunt and uncle, Jennifer and Jerry Cazares, threw the switch to turn on 80,000 lights.

Mayor Arlene Mulder said the community has "embraced this family after the tragedy they suffered this past summer." Thirteen-year-old Bridgit and six-year-old Pierce survived a fire in their home that killed their parents, Patricia and Kevin, and their brother, Garrett.

It was one of three tree lightings in the Northwest suburbs Friday night - Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village also hosted events with lots of music and lights.

Mulder said the North School Park tree-lighting ceremony is always a romantic evening. Case in point: Six years ago Jerry Cazares chose the event to propose to Jennifer Murphy.

Jennifer Murphy Cazares said the family participated Friday because it's a big deal that the mayor invited them.

"We grew up here and have been here every year," she said. "The mayor felt the way everyone came together for us represents the community of good neighbors. It's incredible what the whole town has done for us."

The Charles Dickens Carolers from John Hersey High School sang before the lights flashed on.

Besides the huge Christmas tree, the holiday season spectacle includes a vintage truck and sleigh, a graceful lighted archway, a gingerbread house and an airplane and train made from lights.