4th of July Parade Grand Marshals Announced

The City of Elgin's 4th of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health and the 4th of July Parade Committee announced today its 2012 Parade Grand Marshals will be the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.

To celebrate their centennial anniversary, the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois CEO, Vicki Wright, will serve as the official ambassador She will ride in a beautiful powder blue Cadillac, courtesy of Elgin resident Richard Bennett, and will be joined by an Elgin area high school student who will be receiving her Gold Award - the highest award a Girl Scout can earn for achievement in community service. Following right behind the Grand Marshal vehicle will be the Girl Scouts Color Guard and dozens of scouts of all ages.

“The 4th of July Parade Committee is privileged to have these wonderful young ladies representing Elgin as our ambassadors for the 2012 Parade,” said DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski.

Girl Scouts Founder, Juliette Gordon Low, organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. Since then, for 100 years, Girl Scouts has been building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Today, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts. More than 59 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood and that number continues to grow as Girl Scouts continues to inspire, challenge, and empower girls everywhere.

The 2012 City of Elgin 4th of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health steps off Wednesday, July 4 at 9AM at Slade and Douglas Avenues and ending at Highland and Douglas Avenues. The theme of this year’s parade is “Red, White and Food” – a celebration of Elgin’s great tastes and unique flavors.

Nearly 100 parade units are expected to participate in this summertime tradition, which typically draws more than 15,000 spectators annually to downtown Elgin.

The 2012 City of Elgin 4th of July Parade is presented by Sherman Health. Additional parade sponsors include Alexian Brothers Health System, Armida & Joe Dominguez, BMO Harris Bank, Danny's Pizza, Elgin Community College, Lamp Incorporated, Payday Loan Store, Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Psychosis Haunted House, Spring Hill Gymnastics, Waste Management and Woody Buick.

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Kicks Off 12th Season

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is excited to kick off its 12th season of the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market – Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System this Thursday, June 7 with brand new market hours from 4-8PM. Located prominently in downtown Elgin at 200 N. Grove Avenue, our weekly outdoor market will run for eighteen consecutive weeks every Thursday thru October 4.

Opening day at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will consist of:

• Free Alexian Brothers and Davey Tree Tote Bags for customers
• More than 20 vendors with fresh vegetables, breads, olives, spices, honey, fresh cut flowers, t-shirts, artwork and concessions
• NEW! Weekly Kids Row run by community partners. Kids can partake in fun, on-site activities and also have a chance to win prizes by trying a new vegetable each week and showing a recently checked out Gail Borden Public Library book to one our Kid’s Row Harvest Market volunteers. This promotion is held in conjunction with the Gail Borden Public Library’s summer reading program “Reading is So Delicious”.
• NEW! Weekly cooking demonstrations with Chef Quincy Owens. Each week Chef Quincy, a personal chef and Elgin Community College graduate, will show market patrons how to take available products at the market and transform them into a great meal or snack for your family.
• Weekly live entertainment with DJ Greg from Fun Time Music spinning music.
• The Elgin Fire Department will also be on hand weekly with their trucks and various fire fighting and rescue equipment. This is the public’s opportunity to meet and mingle with their local firefighters and become familiar with the tools of their trade.
• Interactive, informational community and sponsor booths focusing on wellness, environment, sustainability, and the community.

Thanks to a grant from the Fit for Kids program, customers will be able to use their EBT/Link cards as well as credit cards at the market information booth to purchase tokens for buying products at the market.

For more details about weekly events, live entertainment and attractions at the 2012 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, visit www.ElginHarvestMarket.com

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is presented by Alexian Brothers Health System and is sponsored by Davey Tree, Waste Management, Armida & Joe Dominguez, Chiro One, Salon Couture and Simple Balance Holistic Center. The City of Elgin is a Downtown Elgin Harvest Market partner.

For more information on the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market or how to get involved, please contact Harvest Market manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or via email at elginharvestmarket@gmail.com.

2012 Downtown Madness Champion Crowned

After four intense rounds of voting that saw a record-setting 6,000 votes cast for 16 sweet Elgin eateries, the public has spoken and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is proud to announce that the winner of Downtown Madness 2012 is Danny's Pizza (302-D S. McLean Boulevard) Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza.

A trophy presentation was held Thursday, April 4 at Elgin Public House, the downtown Elgin representative in the Downtown vs. Crosstown final round, with representatives from both establishments present. With over 1,800 votes cast in the Championship Round of voting in the DNA's award-winning, month-long, social media-driven restaurant promotion, Danny's Pizza narrowly defeated Elgin Public House by 96 votes.

The DNA would like to offer sincere thanks to our 16 Downtown Madness 2012 participants and recognize their signature dishes:

Al's Cafe (43 DuPage Court) Roasted Salmon Mediterranean
Big Apple Bagels (561 N. McLean Blvd) Big Apple Club
Buckingham's Steakhouse (250 S. Grove Avenue inside Grand Victoria Casino) Grand Tomahawk
Colonial Cafe (600 S. McLean Blvd) Ultimate Grilled Mac and Cheese Melt
Danny's Pizza (302 S. McLean Blvd) Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza
Elgin Public House (219 E. Chicago Street) Turkey Avocado BLT
Herb's Bakery (1020 Larkin Avenue) German Pretzel Roll
In the Neighborhood Deli (185 Edison Street) Garlic Dijon Chicken Sandwich
Nick's Pizza (990 S. Randall Road) Nick's Special
Paul's Family Restaurant (1300 Lawrence Avenue) Apple Bacon Cheddar Sandwich
Prairie Rock Grill (127 S. Grove Avenue) Prairie Rock Cuban
Prime BurgerHouse (250 S. Grove Avenue) Drunken Bull Burger
Ravenheart Coffee (176 E. Chicago Street) Macadamia Nut White Mocha
The Walnut Speakeasy (214 Walnut Avenue) Ribs
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant (23 S. Grove Avenue) Nam Tok
Villa Verone (13 Douglas Avenue) Gamberi e Cappesante Scampi

The DNA also thanks the Daily Herald and WRMN-AM 1410 for your generosity as Downtown Madness Media Sponsors.

Click here to view the Downtown Madness "One Shining Moment" Trophy Presentation YouTube video >>>

Downtown Madness Score Central Evening Update - April 2

The Road to the Downtown Madness Championship ends here and only you and your team of voting friends, family, colleagues and co-workers can determine the winner.

Before we put Downtown Madness to bed for good for 2012, let's give you one LAST update before the final buzzer sounds tonight at Midnight. The voting pace is really heating up between these two Elgin rivals and the ebb and flow continues yet again...

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Monday, April 2 at 9:00PM:

Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT leads Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza by 33.

There's just nothing like Downtown Madness! Lace up those shoes! Get out on the floor! There's still time for one last big dance and you've got destiny on your side! Pull for your favorite team and CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes TONIGHT at 11:59PM!

Voting totals and e-mail addresses will be officially tabulated, audited and verified on Tuesday. The winner of Downtown Madness will then be announced Wednesday, April 4 in our Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast. If you do not currently receive the DNN, visit www.DowntownElgin.com to subscribe today!

Last chance to pick up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue. Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Score Central Afternoon Update - April 2

T-minus 8 hours to go in the penultimate round of voting in Downtown Madness. Supporters for both teams are laying it all on the line just for the sweet taste of victory and their One Shining Moment in Elgin's Big Dance.

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Monday, April 2 at 4:00PM:

Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza leads Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT by 28.

Let New Orleans have it's little basketball scrimmage tonight. The Wildcats and Jayhawks have nothing on our two Madness powerhouses. After the game wraps, gather up your team of friends, family and colleagues, log on to www.DowntownElgin.com and pull for your favorite Elgin eatery! CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes TONIGHT at 11:59PM!

Don't forget to pick up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue. Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Score Central Morning Update - April 2

And then there were two: the defending champs and the battle-tested pizzeria. One downtown Elgin eatery and their Turkey Avocado BLT and one crosstown eatery with their Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza. Who walks away the title? It all comes down to one thing: YOUR VOTES!

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Monday, April 2 at 11:00AM:

Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza leads Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT by 112.

There's less than 13 hours of Madness left to go and it's anyone's game at this point! Show your team spirit by rockin' the vote! CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes TODAY at 11:59PM!

Don't forget to pick up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue. Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 1

The calendar may say April 1 but there's no fooling our Downtown Madness voters - the Madness is in full fledge! The second half of the Downtown Madness Championship Round of voting is just getting started and we have yet another change atop our back-and-forth leaderboard.

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Sunday, April 1 at 11:00AM:

Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza leads Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT by 13.

The shot clock is winding down! Join the Madness NOW! Don't fumble away your chance to help your team claim the title! Get in the game and help determine the winner in the battle for Elgin epicurean bragging rights. CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes Monday, April 2 at 11:59PM!

Don't forget to pick up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue. Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 31

We're a little more than midway through the opening half of the Downtown Madness Championship Round of voting and it's anyone's ballgame at this point.

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Saturday, March 31 at 12:30PM:

Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT leads Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza by 71

This is Elgin's Big Dance! If you haven't joined the Madness yet, what are you waiting for? Time is running out to vote! Help determine the winner in the battle for Elgin epicurean bragging rights. CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes Monday, April 2 at 11:59PM!

If you haven't picked up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue, you need to get in the game! Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 30

And...we're off and running in the Championship Round of Downtown Madness. Our Downtown and Crosstown finalists have been trading leads back and forth throughout the early goings of Round 4.

Here are the Downtown Madness voting results thru Friday, March 30 at 5:30PM:

Elgin Public House Turkey Avocado BLT leads Danny's Pizza Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza by 9

This should be a barn burner! If you haven't joined the Madness yet, NOW IS THE TIME! Help determine the winner in the battle for Elgin epicurean bragging rights. CHOOSE THE CHAMPION NOW!

Final Round voting concludes Monday, April 2 at 11:59PM!

If you haven't picked up your Elgin "Eat 16" punch card at any participating Downtown Madness venue, you need to get in the game! Visit all 16 establishments and receive punches for trying each "signature dish" in the bracket. Collect all 16 punches to claim your Downtown Madness t-shirt and a chance to score even bigger prizes - including gift certificates and other great prizes! To qualify, return your completed punch card ticket to DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 by no later than April 4.

Downtown Madness Championship Round Voting Underway

The Final Round of Downtown Madness, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's award-winning, month-long, social media-driven restaurant promotion, is underway.

It's the final countdown and after another record-breaking round of voting, Madness voters have whittled the field to two terrific Downtown Madness finalists:

Elgin Public House (219 E. Chicago Street) Turkey Avocado BLT versus Danny's Pizza (302-D S. McLean Boulevard) Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza.

Both establishments will square off in the Championship Round of voting taking place now thru Monday, April 2 at 11:59PM.

We invite you to cast your vote for your favorite dish at http://www.downtownelgin.com. Only one vote per person, per valid e-mail address, per round. Duplicate or incomplete ballots will not be counted.

You can also support your favorite Downtown Madness "teams" by encouraging friends, family members, co-workers and colleagues to get out and rock the vote for your faves! Copy, paste and share the following Round 4 "short form" voting link: http://conta.cc/HxSa5Y. The more voters on your team's bench, the better their shot of taking the title!

Bust the brackets, crown the champion and Join the Madness one last time!