Contact:

Rosemary Mackey
(630) 293-2200 ext. 139
rmackey@westchicago.org

 
City of West Chicago

475 Main Street
West Chicago, Illinois 60185

Count the Lights Contest Illuminates the Importance of Upcoming Census
West Chicago, Illinois: November 25, 2009 - The 2010 Census is quickly approaching and the City of West Chicago's Complete Count Committee has found a festive way to inspire awareness and participation for the mandatory count which takes place in April 2010. Committee members worked with Frosty Fest organizers and the U.S. Census Bureau to create a counting activity and educational opportunity during the holiday event that drives home the importance of the upcoming Census.

The Count the Lights Contest invites children and adults to calculate the number of lights on the official holiday tree during Frosty Fest, which takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Participants may stop by the Fox Community Center, 306 Main Street, which is the location of the official tree and which will also serve as a warming station for the evening, and place their count into the drop box. The winner will have the count closest to the actual number of lights on the tree and win a family fun and games gift basket. To further awareness for the "official count" a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau will also be available to answer questions and distribute information on how the 2010 Census response will count in the community. Children will receive educational Census-themed coloring pages and adults will receive informational flyers.

Frosty Fest transforms downtown West Chicago into an old-fashioned winter vignette complete with a grand tree lighting, horse-drawn sleigh, live reindeer, Victorian carolers, City Museum craft, Park District games, Library holiday movie and puppet show, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. All activities are free and open to the public. Attendees are urged to dress appropriately for the weather as many activities are outdoors.
 
 

 

 

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West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.
 
 
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO   475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185   T - (630) 293-2200   www.westchicago.org