Painting fire hydrants a hit in Mount Prospect

In September 2016, many residents of Mount Prospect brought their paint supplies to the curb - literally - and decorated their fire hydrants as part of the celebration of Mount Prospect's Centennial Anniversary in 2017.

Close to 70 hydrants were decorated, photographed, and are available for viewing on the Mount Prospect Centennial Commission's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mpcentennial).

The project was so successful that the Centennial Commission has decided to run a second round in 2017.

"We knew this would be a fun project when we planned it," said Christy Watychowicz, project chairman, "but we were floored by the amount of support received once the hydrants started coming to life.

"We hope with this second round anyone who missed out has the opportunity to make their mark. We are encouraging all residents and businesses throughout the village to consider participating."

The deadline to register for this round of "Fired Up!" is March 31. All applications and fees must be submitted to the Centennial Commission at the village hall, 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, IL 60056.

The fee is $50 per hydrant. Unlike the first round, the second round will not include a contest.

Applicants must request a specific location and hydrants will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. No one has the "right" to a particular hydrant. Hydrants that have already been painted during the 2016 program are not eligible for repainting.

The actual painting will take place, using approved oil-based enamel paint for metal, during the month of June.

The design (which needs to be detailed on the application form) must be appropriate for a public space and should not endorse an individual, be political in nature or be offensive in any way.

More detailed rules and the application form may be found at www.mountprospect100.com. For more information about the project, email hydrants@mountprospect.org.