Annual Chanukah Festival to feature giant gelt drop

Hundreds of local residents will kick off the Chanukah in Arlington Heights as they observe the kindling of the menorah during the largest Chanukah celebration in the area.

Hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights, the public celebration begins on the first night of Chanukah at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at North School Park.

In keeping with the theme of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, the Arlington Heights Fire Department will take part in a Chocolate Coin Gelt Drop from the top of an extended fire truck.

Mayor Tom Hayes is looking forward to joining the evening.

"The Menorah Lighting and Chanukah celebration has become an annual tradition in Arlington Heights," Hayes said. "I'm so glad that the Arlington Heights Fire Department will be part of the celebration this year to assist with the chocolate coin ladder truck drop. I look forward once again to this special event, which reminds us that miracles do occur and that light always leads us out of darkness."

The event will feature a StoryWalk, bringing the story of Chanukah alive through photos and audio.

"This is sure to be a fun and exciting way to bring the story of Chanukah alive, and an important educational tool in conveying important lessons to our children," said Chaikie Kotlarsky, co-director at Chabad.

This year's free "mega-event" will include live music, free Chanukah beanies for registered participants, and a host of crafts, latkes and hot drinks and menorah giveaways.

"Chanukah is the holiday where light triumphed over darkness," said Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky, co-director at Chabad. "Lighting the menorah is a reminder to us to illuminate this world by increasing in random acts of goodness and kindness and spread physical and spiritual light throughout our surroundings."

The purpose of this event is to bring the entire community together, Rabbi Kotlarsky said in a news release. In a safe and outdoor environment, plans are underway to make this year's celebration the biggest and most exciting event yet.

For information and to sign up, visit www.ChanukahInAH.org or call (224) 357-7002.

The Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For information, visit www.ChabadAH.org.