Algonquin Begins Planning For Holiday Lights

ALGONQUIN, IL — While the holidays may look different in a lot of ways this year, suburban downtowns, including Algonquin, are putting plans in place to light up their streets and massive Christmas trees. During Wednesday's Committee of a Whole meeting, Algonquin trustees voted in favor of awarding this year's holiday lighting contract to B&B Holiday Decorating of Des Plaines for $29,907.

The village board, which would give the final say, next meets on Nov. 3

If approved, B&B Holiday Decorating will be in charge of installing and maintaining the holiday lights in Old Town Main Street, including the 36-inch grapevine spheres, for a cost of $8,190; red and silver garland and five-foot illuminated wreaths that will go on the light poles, and which will cost $4,015; and 500 mini-lights on the downtown trees, totaling $7,000, according to village documents.

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The village provides the Christmas tree that will be located next to the historic village hall and will likely hold a holiday tree lighting ceremony that follows state rules set in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, said Michael Kumbera, assistant village manager for Algonquin. Decorating typically starts the week before Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, it's unclear what will be happening regarding this year's Holiday Rock on the Fox, which typically draws crowds to downtown Algonquin in early December. If it doesn't happen, the village is hoping to put on a different COVID-friendly holiday event meant to lift residents' spirits.

The village board will finalize those plans with its vote on Nov. 3.