Painted locomotives part of the Arlington Heights’ quasquicentennial

The logo for the quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, of Arlington Heights’ incorporation, features a train, village skyline and green rays stretching to the future.

Individuals, companies and organizations can purchase (for $950) and paint fiberglass locomotives called “train on the tracks” — reminiscent of the Ponies on Parade that decorated downtown streets years back. The village also is marketing banners priced at $500 that will fly for 14 month and is seeking quasquicentennial sponsors at higher rates.

Smaller souvenirs include a special calendar to mark free and modestly priced events for $15 and sun catchers and plant stakes made from recycled glass.

The celebration’s slogan is “Honor the past. Celebrate the present. Explore the future.”

The anniversary is Jan. 18, 2012, and the village will celebrate throughout the year, starting with the annual tree-lighting Nov. 25 this year in North School Park.

The celebration committee is urging all organizations in the village to use the quasquicentennial logo for their special events and to celebrate their own past.

Quasquicentennial information will be posted vah.com and on the Arlington Heights 125 page on Facebook.com.

Lauree Harp, laureeharp@sbcglobal.net, heads the celebration committee, and the contact at village hall is Nancy Kluz, nkluz@vah.com.