BURLINGTON - If you're longing for a reason to leap into the holiday spirit, your excuse has arrived: Only 11 days are left to decorate a wreath that will be auctioned to help Boone County children with serious needs.

As part of Boone County Heritage Christmas events Dec. 3-5, the wreaths will be sold by silent auction. They will be exhibited at the Oakbrook Skyline Chili until Dec. 1, when they will be displayed at the Old Boone County Clerk's Building until bidding closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 4.

Businesses, groups and residents are asked to make wreaths, which are due to the County Administration Building by Nov. 19.

All proceeds will benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Boone County, which investigates cases of abuse and neglect, speak up for children in court proceedings and monitor children's progress after court.

"In the last fiscal year, we served 207 abused and neglected children here in Boone County," said Lisa Arnett, the agency's Boone County director, who hopes to use the money to train more volunteers and raise public awareness about what it does.

Wreaths "can be any design, any color, any size, any material," Arnett said.

Craft-makers also will have a show and sale during Boone County Heritage Christmas.

"Hopefully, it'll become a signature holiday event," said Shawn Cox, Boone County's community development director.

Festivities will start Dec. 3, with the 6-9 p.m. Walton Christmas on Main, featuring a parade, veterans' memorial dedication and entertainment. Saturday will be an all-day event, with a Christmas Parade in Burlington at 3 p.m.

E-mail mrutledge@enquirer.com