FREEPORT — A holiday tradition continues in downtown Freeport at the Stephenson County Courthouse with the lighting of the Hero Tree on Nov. 18.

The Greater Freeport Partnership is asking for the community to contribute to this growing tradition by creating ornaments to honor heroes to be placed on the tree. Bulbs can be decorated to honor first responders (fire, police and EMS) and military (active duty and veterans). Clear, plastic bulbs can be picked up at the Partnership Office (110 W. Main St., Freeport) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Decorated bulbs will need to be returned to the Partnership office by Nov. 15 to be placed on the tree. There is no charge to decorate a bulb. 

“It’s our great pleasure to have the Holiday Hero Tree here at the Stephenson County Courthouse. The decorated ornaments honoring our heroes is a fantastic addition and we appreciate all who participate,” said Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall. 

The Hero Tree will be lit in a ceremony at the Stephenson County Courthouse on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. as part of Mistletoe Walk festivities. The tree will be lit nightly through Jan. 2.

Please remember when decorating the bulbs, that the plastic is closed but not water-tight. For the safety of precious photos, please use photo copies and other items that are not valuable. After the tree is taken down in January, community members are welcome to come pick up the bulbs they decorated at the Greater Freeport Partnership office.

For more information, visit greaterfreeport.com, or call 815-233-6301.