CHICAGO HEIGHTS CELEBRATES

An unusual two-month program to spotlight the cultural and recreational life of Chicago Heights, Ill. was declared a success by Peirce Vandercook, executive secretary of The Committee for Chicago Heights which sponsored the event.

The event, called Chicago Heights Culturama, ranged from pop concerts to art fairs to kennel shows. It began April 27, ended June 28 and featured a roster of stars. They included Woody Herman and his band; actor-art expert Vincent Price; tenor Jan Peerce; humorist Herb Shriner; athletic star Johnny Revolta; and Lassie of television fame.

But while the stars highlighted the event, it was one of local participation. Over 1,000 residents, representing every school, religious, political, social and fraternal group in the city of 30,000 took an active part in Culturama. Chairman was Charles Hofmann, a local florist.

The event, which included an industrial fair called The Pageant of Progress, drew some 100,000 people. According to Vandercook, the event appealed to everyone and showed everyone that Chicago Heights is a good place in which to live.

A brochure entitled "You'll Like Chicago Heights" was distributed during Culturama and will be sent on request. (Address Committee for Chicago Heights, 1638 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights, Ill.) Concludes Vandercook: "Culturama will encourage the growth of Chicago Heights. Within about five years, our population should jump from 30,000 to 42,000. We now have 75 industries which keep our taxes down—and bring more people and more prosperity to our city. Now that we've shown that we have more than good working conditions to offer—that you can have a lot of genuine enjoyment in our city—we expect more industry to move our way."

Illinios Municipal Review 182 August, 1958