Village Seeks Ornaments for Community Tree

Creations Celebrating Village’s 120th Birthday Welcomed

Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin is again inviting the community to provide ornaments for the village’s community tree.

“Each year, we invite everyone to create ornaments for the community tree outside of the Village Hall,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The response has always been great because they bring in enough ornaments to cover the 27-foot live tree,” the mayor said.

Ornaments must be durable and weatherproof for use outdoors for at least six weeks in wet and wintry conditions. They should be decorated with colorful materials that, if possible, are reflective. To minimize environmental impact, ornament makers are encouraged to use wood or recycled materials.

“Seeing the village’s tree decorated with ornaments made by people from all over town is beautiful every year,” the mayor said, adding, “We’re hoping even more people participate this year with it being the village’s 120th birthday. Maybe we’ll get some birthday ornaments for the tree.”

Ornaments should be eight to ten inches in size, light weight and light in color, relatively simple in design so they can be enjoyed from a distance. They must be ready for hanging with a heavy wire attached to the top corners. Ornament makers are encouraged to add their name, organization and the year on the backs of the ornaments they create. Those made of glass or other breakable materials cannot be accepted and those contributed will not be returned.

“The village’s community tree is a nice way for organized groups to be a part of the decorating effort,” said Trustee Jim Dodge, chair of the village’s Communication, Technology and Community Outreach Committee. “However, you don’t have to be part of an organized group to make an ornament. Everyone is encouraged and invited to create ornaments, kids, families, individuals, seniors, community groups, businesses --- everyone,” Dodge said.

Creations should be delivered to the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9 so that village employees can place them on the tree. Ornament donors will be asked to leave their names, organizations, addresses and email addresses for future community projects and events.

McLaughlin will officially begin the holiday season in Orland Park on Sunday, November 25 at 5:45 p.m. when he lights the village’s tree at the close of the Winter Festival.

“We’re hoping that all of our ornament makers come to the Village Hall on November 25th when we light the tree so they can see the beautiful display they helped create,” McLaughlin said.

Ornaments should be delivered to the information desk in the lobby of the Village Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Further information is available by calling 708/403-6140.