This Week at Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s September “First Thursday” Market

Here is a rundown of the happenings this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s final “First Thursday” Market of the 2011 season on Thursday, September 1, with special extended hours from 10AM-6PM, at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin.

• Art at the Market – Keath Sodapop, a local artist and member of Art for All, will be interacting with customers creating urban/public art pieces, plus decorating ReStore outdoor furniture and objects that will be for sale at ReStore the next day.
• Artz Zone - from 4-6PM where artists in the community have the opportunity to set up for free at the Harvest Market and sell/demo their art.
• "Market Munchies" - available to market customers who shop between 4-6PM with a purchase over $15.
• Kids’ Corner - complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes and more will be provided by community sponsor, Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy.
• Live Entertainment - Strolling violinist Jennifer Silk between Noon – 1:30PM and singer/musicians Jams Clipper 4-6PM.
• Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings.
• Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment.
• City of Elgin Booth – Fire Department‘s water rescue and recovery team will be present with fire trucks, rescue boats, and more.
• Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.
• ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – get free CFL’s and learn about various ways you can get involved or lessen your carbon footprint at home and work.
• Community Booth: International Teams – promoting their “Ride for Refuge” Fox Valley bike ride which will raise awareness and funds for refugees and anti-trafficking projects.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers runs every Thursday from 10AM-4PM now through September 29.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

City of Elgin 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Concert of Remembrance at Hemmens

On Sunday, September 11 at 3:30PM at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, the Elgin Choral Union, along with the City of Elgin and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, present A Concert of Remembrance - a collaborative performance to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

This moving concert features John Adams’ Transmigration of Souls, written shortly after the attacks to exemplify the emotions & complexities of the tragedy; and Johannes Brahms’ Requiem, often referred to as the Human Requiem, written for the living as they remember those who have passed on.

The concert will also feature performances by Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Voices, Elgin Children’s Chorus, and Elgin OPERA.

Tickets are on available by calling the Hemmens' Box Office at 847-931-5900 or at Hemmens.org.

Preceding the concert at 1:30PM, join the City of Elgin for a September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court (behind City Hall), featuring a presentation of the colors, performance of The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and Amazing Grace, welcoming remarks by City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, sounding of the bells, rifle salute, Taps and more.

For additional information about the ceremony, please call 847-931-5677 or for a link to the complete rundown of the ceremony's itinerary, click here!