Neighbors and friends helped kick off the holiday season with the 4th annual Ivy Hill neighborhood tree lighting and festivities on Nov. 24 at the home of Noreen and Brad Obuchowski. Their 20 ft tall evergreen on Douglas Avenue which is decorated with tiny white lights and ornaments is a fixture in Ivy Hill.

Dozens of children gathered underneath the tree with Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene J. Mulder for this much anticipated annual tradition. The mayor returned for a second year to help countdown the lighting of the “official” north side Christmas tree, her last time before retiring next year. “This is such a wonderful neighborhood event,” said Mayor Mulder. “You think of summer block parties but this is a block party for the holidays this time of year.”

The street was blocked off for the evening as everyone enjoyed the football game projected on a large outdoor screen and children watched a holiday movie on another. People also generously brought unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps annual Toy for Tots.