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Arlington Heights lights fantasy toys in North School Park

Arlington Heights lit up its 25th annual holiday display Friday evening in North School Park at Arlington Heights Road and Eastman Street. More than 80,000 tiny lights illuminate the fantasy toy displays along with the giant decorated tree in the center of the fountain.

The village's Special Events Commission hosted the ceremony. The first 1,000 visitors received a complimentary light-up reindeer nose. Music from the Hersey High School Dickens Carolers and Vibe Dance Company entertained the crowd.

The Arlington Heights Park District's skilled craftsmen built a special light display commemorating the district's 90th anniversary. In keeping with the children's toy theme of the park, they built a model locomotive engine, with a design inspired by the Chicago & Northwestern's engine "Pioneer," that is displayed in the center of the park. The interactive engine is constructed of materials including plywood and aluminum and measures approximately 16 feet long, 7 feet high and weighs approximately 350 pounds.

  Daniel Hellebuyck and Kathryn Steed, both of Arlington Heights, don their reindeer noses and enjoy more than 80,000 tiny lights at the Arlington Heights annual tree-lighting festival in North School Park on Friday. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@@dailyherald.com
  Dennis and Dorinda Gilmore of Arlington Heights sport reindeer antlers Friday at the Arlington Heights annual tree-lighting festival in North School Park. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@@dailyherald.com
  Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes - joined by Village Manager Randy Recklaus, his wife, Tracy, and children Regan, 11, and Ray, 8 - throws the switch on more than 80,000 tiny lights at North School Park on Friday. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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