Thursday, June 16, 2011

Let's Play Two: Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Begins June 20




Beginning Monday, June 20, in honor of the first Chicago crosstown series of the season, our 2011 Downtown Madness Champion, Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork, will put downtown pride on the line against our crosstown neighbor, In The Neighborhood Deli and their Pulled Pork, in our newest social media promotion: Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge - Presented by Van Galder Bus Company.

All next week, we are asking Facebook fans to step up to the plate and get behind their "team" by casting their vote for their favorite on the DNA's Facebook page. Here's how to participate:

1.) You must "LIKE" the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin IL Facebook Page and encourage friends and other loyal Pulled Pork supporters to do so as well.

2.) Post one of the following messages on DNA's wall: "I love EPH's Pulled Pork" or "I love ITN Deli's Pulled Pork". Only one vote per screen name.

PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR VOTE UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 20. ALL VOTES POSTED PRIOR TO MONDAY, JUNE 20 WILL NOT BE COUNTED!

If you are not a Facebook user, we invite you to vote through our Crosstown Classic Challenge Online Voting Form, which will be available Monday, June 20 at DowntownElgin.com. Only one vote per e-mail address.

The winner of the Crosstown Classic Challenge will not only have bragging rights but will also have the choice of which dish both restaurants will prepare and sample at the Crosstown Classic Challenge Cook-Off on Thursday, July 14 at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.

The best part is when your team wins, you could be a winner too! At the conclusion of the promotion, we will draw a name at random from all of the voters on the "winning team" and that lucky person will receive two tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on Saturday, July 30 at U.S. Cellular Field - courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Van Galder Bus Company.

Tune in to the Chef Jeff & Jeff Show on WRMN-AM 1410 on Tuesday, June 21 beginning at 9AM for our first Crosstown Classic Challenge scoring update. Then tune in again on Tuesday, June 28 at 9AM for the announcement of the winning team as well as the winner of the baseball tickets!

Again, voting begins Monday so if you have not done so already, please "LIKE" the DNA Facebook page and then post your vote on our wall beginning Monday, June 20.

We also encourage you to "Like" Elgin Public House, In the Neighborhood Deli and Van Galder Bus Company's Facebook pages as well:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin IL

Elgin Public House

In The Neighborhood Deli

Van Galder Bus Company

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 16-18




Thursday, June 16

Y-Walk/Y-Ride Kickoff - Elgin Persons of the Week
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This Thursday beginning at 6:30PM, Villa Verone hosts some very special Elgin Persons of the Week: the YWCA Elgin, who will be on hand to promote the YW's Y-Walk/Y-Ride event which takes place on July 10 at 10:30AM in Festival Park. Enjoy free appetizers, karaoke, dancing and fun with friends, all while supporting the YW!

Three Amigos Movie Night
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Grab your lip balm, summon the invisible swordsman and sew like the wind over to EPH beginning at 8PM for a screening of the all-time comedy classic The Three Amigos. EPH will be offering specials on Corona and El-berita as well as a plethora of Three Amigos inspired food specials. Wash it down with some Tequila...it's like beer.

Friday, June 17

Elgin BrewFest
Festival Park
Prairie Street & South Grove Avenue
http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

On Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 from 5PM-Midnight, come out and enjoy Elgin Brewfest, an outdoor live music festival that takes place every Father's Day Weekend in downtown Elgin. The event features a large selection of premium beers, classic festival grub and, of course, live music from your favorite local bands!

Friday night's performers include Friction - 6-7PM, Modern Day Romeos - 7:30-8:30PM and Infinity - 9-11PM. Saturday night features Smokin Gunz - 6-7PM, HiFi Superstar - 7:30-8:30PM and 7th Heaven - 9-11PM.

Tickets must be purchased for all beer sales. Wristbands with valid photo ID must be obtained to purchase alcohol. $5 per ticket. 1 ticket = 1 (16oz) beer or 1 (6oz) glass of wine. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.

For more information regarding Elgin Brewfest, please e-mail Info@ElginBrewfest.com or visit http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

My Lazy Elephant
The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

At 9PM, stop by The Gast for the unofficial Brewfest after-party featuring the return of My Lazy Elephant. And don't forget that The Gasthaus is now open for lunch with a great selection of burgers, sandwiches and pub food.

Hot and Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

Spice up your weekend at Villa Verone with another installment of their Hot & Sexy Salsa Night beginning at 9PM. Come dance the night away!

Saturday, June 18

Thunder on the Fox
Fox River at McBride Street
http://www.thunderonthefox.com/

On Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, bring the family out to the banks of the Fox River in downtown Elgin to enjoy all the action of live Formula Two and Formula Three Tunnel Boat racing excitement as APR Superleague and McGrath Motorsports present Thunder on the Fox!

Race times are Noon-5PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for kids (6-12), and free admission for kids 5 and under. Tickets will be on sale at the event location on McBride Street beginning at 8AM on Friday, June 17. Bring your own lawn chairs. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand. No food, alcohol, coolers or pets allowed.

For more specific details about the event, visit their website at ThunderOnTheFox.com

Sunday, June 19

Father's Day Brunch

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Brunch for the Dads we love featuring chocolate covered bacon, bacon stuffed with bacon wrapped in bacon, peppered candied bacon on top of a deviled egg, carving Station and more! $18.95 per person. Reservations recommended.

Dads Eat Free
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

On Father's Day at Douglas Street Sports Pub DADS EAT FREE (with $10.99 or greater table purchase) all day long! Bring the entire family and celebrate Dad! Doors open at 11AM.

Dad's Day Drink Special
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-0349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Martini Room has prepared a very special cocktail for Father's Day: the Algonquin Manhattan. Elegantly composed of Jim Beam, Grand Marnier, Angostura bitters, orange zest and pineapple juice, this unique cocktail is sure to become a favorite and all fathers can enjoy it on Father's Day for 25% off regular price.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - June 16


Bike to Work Week Special Activity at Noon
-The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic.

Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment

City of Elgin Booth – From the Community Development department will be information from the Health division for the summer months.

Salon Couture Booth

Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth - Harvest Market Snack Bag Raffle (Specifically for the Cyclist or Public Transit Commuter but not limited to) - Raffle tickets are $1 or free with Market Membership or with proof of bike/helmet or transit card. Drawing will be at 1pm.

(FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth - Elgin Public Museum
Some things are not easily recycled. Discover new innovative ways scientists are tackling problem substances like oil and Styrofoam.

(FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) Community Booth - Gail Borden Public Library
Learn about knights of chivalry, dragons and fairies, castles of old, a medieval fair and summer reading quests! Enjoy story time with a Royal Reader. Bring your camera and pose with a medieval character. Pretend you are royalty or even a knight in shining armor!

NEW! Beginning this week new educational signs will start popping up around the market helping customers and the public alike learn terms like grass-fed and locally grown, how to compost and practice it at the market, learn why Downtown’s are sustainable, and see a map of where our vendors and their products came from!