Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Elgin Fourth of July Parade Apps Now Available


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2010

Elgin, IL— The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is now accepting applications for parade entrants, parade sponsors and booth sponsors for the City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade, which steps off at 10am at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenue on Saturday, July 3rd due to the 4th falling on a Sunday this year.

Applications are now available through the DNA’s website at http://www.downtownelgin.com/ or at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Completed entrant or sponsor applications along with any applicable fees must be submitted to DNA by 5pm on Friday, May 28.

Every year the DNA and the City of Elgin try to make the parade more entertaining and visually appealing, so if you plan to participate as an entrant, please make every effort to submit a high quality entry! The parade fee is $100 for businesses and political groups; there is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is “Summer in the City!” Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by submitting a parade entry that tells the story of our great City - its rich history, exciting present, and prosperous future. In addition to the regular parade float judging, a special "175th Anniversary Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of Elgin’s rich history and a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

Groups, organizations or businesses can also help to present the parade for our community while gaining exposure by becoming a parade sponsor. Sponsors are included on all marketing and promotions prior to the parade and given special recognition on parade day, depending on their level of investment. Parade sponsors may also be parade participants, and must fill out both the parade application and the sponsor commitment form. Sponsorship is available at levels of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more. Booth sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that are not able to commit the time or staff to submit a parade entry. Contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Over 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 130 units, 30 floats and 2,500 participants and took over 75 volunteers to coordinate. As such the Parade Committee is also actively seeking volunteers for this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 7am to 1pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and a free t-shirt. Please contact Sue Shipyor at the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to learn more.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the Downtown area. The Association's purpose is to foster a center of activity and ensure economic stability for the heart of Elgin through organization, design, promotion, and economic revitalization. If you are interested in more information on how to be part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association or would like to volunteer, please contact the office at 847-488-1456 or visit http://www.downtownelgin.org/.

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