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Bartlett, Hawthorn Woods holiday celebrations get financial boost

Bartlett and Hawthorn Woods are among 10 northern Illinois communities whose holiday celebrations are getting a financial boost this year though a new program launched by ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The inaugural ComEd Powering the Holidays Program is awarding the towns grants of up to $2,500 to help fund their holiday lighting events.

"Our neighborhoods are rich in holiday lighting events that celebrate community identity and culture," Melissa Washington, senior vice president of governmental and external affairs at ComEd, said in an announcement of the grants Tuesday.

"ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are excited to support these events that provide residents with opportunities for interculture exchange and understanding."

Bartlett's grant will help pay for the village's "Merry and Bright in Bartlett" celebration. Besides traditional holiday lights and decorations, the grant will support plans to light up the village hall during Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights celebrated in early November

"It will be rewarding to see these grants provide communities a sense of unity during the holiday season and help people develop a respect and understanding for different cultures," Village President Kevin Wallace said in the announcement.

Hawthorn Woods will receive a grant for its Hometown Holiday event, which includes a festive, animated light display featuring the "12 Days of Christmas" and an evergreen draped in LED holiday lights. The grant will help expand the traditional, animated light display to include items that celebrate the religious and cultural diversity of the village.

Other grant recipients include: Algonquin's Miracle on Main; Dekalb's Lights on Lincoln; Santa Comes to Town, Dolton's tree lighting ceremony held in tandem with a toy drive for families in need; Homer Glen's Homer for the Holidays; Montgomery's Merry & Bright festival; the Oak Brook Park District's Winter Lights at Central Park; and the Romeoville Parks & Recreation Department's Holiday Lights Festival.

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