Festival of The Wreaths is in it final days

The Festival of the Wreaths, a major fundraiser for the Arlington Heights Historical Society, is in its final days for 2016 and closes Sunday, Dec. 4. The event includes almost 80 wreaths created and donated by Arlington Heights residents, businesses and civic organizations that can be bid on in a silent auction.

"Our entries this year are really imaginative, and many took hours of construction and expenditure in materials," said Betsy Kmiecik, chairwoman of the Festival of the Wreaths steering committee and a former president of the Arlington Heights Historical Society.

"We are grateful for all the donations, and we have wreaths of all types, sizes and themes," she said. "We have Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, wreaths with Christmas themes, nostalgia, and whimsy. There's a special wreath on display just waiting for the right person."

New this year is a separate display of more than 40 wreaths made by children, including wreaths made in arts classes of Julie Vahos, Crystal Lake, who teaches at Miner and Timber Ridge schools. These wreaths include Pokemon and video game themes; sports; seasonal and other interests.

"These wreaths are displayed with little stories written by the children describing the thoughts they had when they created their wreaths," said Kmiecik.

The Festival of the Wreaths exhibit and silent auction is on display until Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont, near the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Hours are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The bidding ends Sunday, Dec. 4. All proceeds benefit the museum's archives and collections. Go to ahmuseum.org for photos of the wreaths and more information, or call the museum at (847) 255-1225.