Highland-Douglas Intersection Closed Aug. 12-16 for Pavement Reconstruction

Harvest Market Relocated This Thursday Due to Construction

The intersection of Highland Avenue and Douglas Avenue will be completely closed beginning approximately 5:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 12 to allow for reconstruction of the pavement through the intersection. Pavement removal, grading, framing and pouring the new pavement will occur on Thursday and Friday. On Monday, August 16, temporary asphalt will be placed over the new concrete base and the intersection will be re-opened as soon as the asphalt has time to properly cool. Complete closure of the intersection allows the work to be completed within a five day time frame as opposed to approximately four weeks if the construction was staged and traffic allowed through the intersection during the reconstruction period.

Local access to businesses on Highland and Douglas will be maintained via detoured traffic patterns through the Civic Center Parking Lot and through the alley that runs behind the properties on Douglas Avenue.


Click here for Detour Map > > >


Due to traffic being redirected through the Civic Center Parking Lot, the Harvest Market will be relocated on Thursday, August 12 to the former Gail Borden Library Parking Lot, on the southwest corner of Kimball and N. Grove, across from the Centre. Market hours that day will be 10AM to 4PM.


--------------------------------------------------------

Streetscape Work Continues on Highland


Work on Phase 4 streetscape improvements continues during the week of Aug. 9, 2010. New curb and gutter was placed along the east side of Grove Court, the north side of Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street and on the east and west sides of Spring Street between Highland Avenue and Division Street. Work continues on installing new street light wiring, traffic signal cable, planter boxes, new colored sidewalk and brick paver fields. Weather permitting, this stage of the work is expected to be completed by the end of August.

On Tuesday, August 10, reconstruction of a manhole in the intersection of Highland Avenue and Douglas Avenue will take place. Traffic will be directed through the construction by construction personnel. Motorists are asked to use caution through the work zone.

--------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Progress Meetings

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin' Around in Downtown icon.

Harvest Market Temporarily Moving to Old Gail Borden Lot on August 12

Due to the pavement reconstruction project that will completely shut down the intersection of Highland Avenue and Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin from Thursday, August 12 through Monday, August 16, this Thursday’s Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will be temporarily relocated THIS WEEK ONLY to the Old Gail Borden Parking Lot on the south side of Kimball Street across from the Gail Borden Public Library. Hours of operation are 10am-4pm.

The Harvest Market will return to its usual home at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues next to City Hall on Thursday, August 19.

In addition to a wide selection of locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and other food items, the Harvest Market welcomes back Mad Discs and Dyes for another T-shirt tie-dying demonstration at Noon on Thursday.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - Aug 4-8

Mad Maggie's
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, August 5

12 Track Radio
$10
21 & Over
10:30pm


Gasthaus ZurLinde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Beginning Friday August 6, Gasthaus ZurLinde rolls out "AugFest Punk? Fest?"

Friday, August 6 at 7pm

Daylight Robbery
Glass D***s
The Mustard Men
Red Dons
The Regals
Rexcatapult

Saturday, August 7 at 7pm

Aftermath
Coffee Table marathon
Ripstick
Still Alive
Help Me Help Me
Gunners Daughter
The Annandale Cardinals
Mostly About Nothing
The Oil Can Boys
Rule 22
Vacation Bible School
groovy love vibe
The Liarbirds

Sunday, August 8 at 7pm

Pure Volume
The Kremlin
Corporate Distortion
Ripsnorter
Fascist Beauties
The Turdles

25 local punk rock bands will take the Gasthaus stage all weekend-long! Admission is $8 each night at the door or purchase a Weekend Pass for $20. Drink specials include $2 domestic pints or $12 buckets of domestic bottles.


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, August 6
Hyperplasia

Saturday, August 7
Astrobirds

Sunday, August 8
Irish Sessions


Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Saturday, August 7
Ty Stone - The Soul of James Brown
ONE NIGHT ONLY!


Don't forget to come out to our August "First Thursday" Harvest Market on Thursday, August 5 from 10am-6pm at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin, for some more great live entertainment. Purdue University Golden Girl MerrieBeth Cox shows off her mad baton twirling skills at 11:30am. Dixon Dance Academy's soloists will perform a variety of dance styles at 12:30pm. Riverside Chorus will sing at 2pm and Trillium sings at 3:30pm.

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

August "First Thursday" Harvest Market Schedule of Events

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers continues its landmark tenth season with our August "First Thursday" Market this Thursday, August 5 from 10am-6pm at the Civic Center Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

August 1-7 is National Farmers Market Week and we will be celebrating with special extended market hours from 10am-6pm and other activities and attractions including:

• In honor of Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week August 2-6, all Downtown Employees who can verify their employment within Downtown Elgin’s boundaries (State Street to the west, Kimball Street to the north, Center Street/Villa Street to the east and National Street to the south) receive 10% off all Harvest Market purchases. Also all Harvest Market t-shirts and bags will be available to Downtown employees at half-price.

• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8. The Elgin History Museum will also have artifacts from the Road Rally on display.

• The Elgin Express Train will pay a visit to the Harvest Market for all the kids to enjoy.

• Purdue University Golden Girl MerrieBeth Cox will perform a baton twirling exhibition at 11:30am.

• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration of Healthy Grilled Pizza at Noon.

• Dixon Dance Academy soloists will perform a variety of dance styles at 12:30pm.

• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus at 2pm and Trillium at 3:30pm.

• Informational booths from DNA, Alexian Brothers, Elgin Community Network, ECCO, The Centre of Elgin and Salon Couture.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

Calling All Artists for The Next Wave Art Salon

Show Your Stuff. Meet Interesting People. Win $1000 Prize. Pass it On >>

Slated for September 10-11, “The Next Wave” Art Salon is a two-day event that brings together artists of all different backgrounds and mediums in a “found space” in downtown Elgin. This is a radically-inclusive event, meaning all work is permitted.

Artists will have approximately a 10’ x 10’ space to exhibit work that is based on the broad theme of “work.” Performance artists will have a larger space to perform pieces of the same theme. The Salon is geared to attract up-and-coming Artists with innovative approaches to their art form; however it is open to Artists of all ages and genres. We are looking for everything from fine art to time art.

Three (3) $1,000 prizes will be given out the evening of September 11.

If you are interested in participating in the Salon, please visit www.thenextwave.me, email info@thenextwave.me or call (847) 488-1456.

The salon will be held in a large warehouse space at 166 Symphony Way in Downtown Elgin, IL 60120.

The marketing imagery for the Salon will be a mash-up of images from participating Artists. If you are interested in participating, please send submit a high resolution JPG of a work of your choice (does not have to be the work you submit to exhibit at the Salon) with your online registration. By sending us the image, you are agreeing to allow us to use it in any and all marketing for “The Next Wave” Art Salon and you will receive no compensation for its usage. Your name will be included in the photo credit, but will not necessarily be attached to your image.

Please help us to build our database of interested artists by forwarding this information to other artists and arts-related businesses and organizations who may also like to be involved. Please have them send their contact information to info@thenextwave.me.

ABOUT THE CITY OF ELGIN
Recently christened as “THE City in the Suburbs”, the City of Elgin is located just 40 miles northwest of Chicago. With a population of over 100,000, Elgin offers both the urban vitality and authenticity of a city complimented by the accessibility and affordability of a suburb. The downtown area is experiencing a renaissance, especially in the area of the Arts. One such example is a proposed development project called Elgin ArtSpace which would bring 55 affordable live/work units for artists and their families to downtown Elgin, as well as market-rate space for arts related businesses. Downtown Elgin is easily accessible by train from Union Station in Chicago or by car from I-90. To learn more, visit www.CityofElgin.org and www.DowntownElgin.com.

The Next Wave Art Salon is presented by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and is partially funded through a grant from The Florence B. and Cornelia A. Palmer Foundation.

List of Participating Specials for Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week Aug 2-6

As a big thank you to all the men and women whose hard work and dedication helps sustain Downtown Elgin's economy, the Downtown Neighborhood Association is pleased to announce Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week from August 2-6.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FLYER LISTING ALL OF THE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS FOR DOWNTOWN EMPLOYEES > > >

Over 30 Downtown businesses are offering special promotions to any person who can verify their employment within Downtown Elgin's boundaries (which officially is State St. to the West, Kimball St. to the North, Center St./Villa St. to the East and National St. to the South). These promotions consist of discounted or free goods & services as well as great food/drink specials at many Downtown restaurants.

Flyers will also be available throughout Downtown at many participating businesses.

We encourage all Downtown employees to download or pick up a flyer as there will be a special "punch card" promotion in which those who achieve the required amount of punches on their flyer will be eligible for a drawing for $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

Below is a partial list of participating businesses and their specials:

Al's Cafe
43 DuPage Court
847-742-1180
M 11-4, Tu-Th 11-8, Fr-Sa 11–9
http://www.alscafe.com/

Dine-in for lunch or dinner and receive GC good towards 12 oz. Burns Malt on your next visit

Andersen’s Trophies
Plaques, medals, awards, invitations & custom engraving
27 N. Grove Avenue
847-742-5434
M-F 10-5, Sat 10-3
http://www.andersensengraving.net/

$25 off class rings starting at $199

Artistic Framing & Supplies
Custom framing, mounting, matting, repair, restoration.
25 N. Grove Avenue
847-908-7215
Open 7 Days a Week

25% off picture framing

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
Chinese & Thai cuisine - Weekday Lunch Specials 11am-2pm
11 Douglas Avenue
847-695-2644
M-Th 11-9, Fr-Sa 11-10, Su 4-8

10% off your total bill

Butera Market
3 Clock Tower Plaza
847-741-9551
http://www.buteramarket.com/

Buy 2 regular priced tacos, get 3rd free of equal or lesser value (save up to $1.50 on three) - present flyer when ordering at deli ELGIN STORE ONLY

Domani Café
Neighborhood café, seasonal lattes, iced coffees, smoothies, sandwiches
109 E. Highland Avenue
847-695-8851
M-F 6am-5pm, Sat 7am-2pm

10% off your purchase

Elgin Antiques & Uniques
Unique items at a unique price
203 E. Chicago Street
847-606-6284
M-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-3
http://www.elginantiques80.com/

20% off any purchase (excluding firm or consignment)

Elgin Books & Coffee
Used & out-of-print books. Over 50,000 titles in stock!
209 E. Chicago Street
847-695-2680
Mon-Sat 9-6
http://www.elginbooks.com/

10% off any purchase and free biscotti w/beverage or coffee purchase

Elgin Jewelers
Retail and repairs on premises
11 N. State Street
847-695-1384
Mon-Sat 11-7

1/2 price on everything in the store (including repairs)

Elgin Public House/Pub 217
Better than average "pub grub" & over 90 domestic/import beers.
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
M-Th 11AM-1AM, Fr-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-9PM
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

$2 off any Dine-In Purchase of $15 or greater

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Nationally acclaimed symphony orchestra.
20 DuPage Court
Box Office: 847-888-4000
Administration: 847-888-0404
M-F 10-5
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

20% discount on Classics or Pops concerts in 2010-11 season purchased that week (excluding holiday & family events) - MUST MENTION DOWNTOWN ELGIN EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK - PHONE ORDERS ONLY!

Fusion Mind Body Studio
Yoga, pilates, and meditation workshops
221 E. Chicago Street
847-567-6913/847-468-6012
See website class schedule
http://www.fusionmindbodystudio.com/

$5 Yoga Classes (a $10 savings) - can purchase up to 10 classes

Grand Victoria Casino's Prime BurgerHouse
250 S. Grove Avenue
847-468-7000
http://www.grandvictoria-elgin.com/

10% off food purchase and complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (Excluding milk shakes) Offer valid 11:30–4:30 M-F

Harvest Market
Civic Parking Lot - Highland and Douglas Avenues
Thursday, August 5th "First Thursday"

10% off any purchases at August First Thursday Harvest Market

Hilltop Skate Shop
73 S. Grove Avenue
847-841-1743
http://www.hilltopsk8.com/

5% off shoes (w/flyer)

Janus Theater
Award-winning theater at the Elgin Art Showcase & throughout Elgin.
164 Division Street
847-841-1713
janustheatre.wordpress.com

$5 discount on tickets purchased that week for their Fall production of Shakespeare

Keeney’s Sporting Goods/PK’s Antiques
Sporting goods, antiques, embroidery and much more!
19 Douglas Avenue
847-725-0427
M-F 10-6, Sa 10-4
http://www.keeneyssportinggoods.com/

10% off any items in the basement/10% off pocket knives

Kim's Black Belt Academy
5 S. Spring Street
847-695-5434
http://www.kyuki-do.com/

$300 off Family Membership (new members only)

La Puesta Del Sol
Authentic Mexican cuisine
165 E. Highland Avenue
847-468-1416

10% off of your total bill

Martini Room
Martini cocktails, fine wines & spirits in elegant atmosphere
161 E. Chicago Street l 847-741-0349
M-Th 4:30PM-1AM, Fr 4:30PM-3AM, Sa 6PM-3AM, Su 6PM-1AM
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

10% off your first martini (limit one per person per night)

Quiznos Subs
Subs, soups, salads. Mmmm…toasty!
59 Douglas Avenue
847-697-3240
M-F 9:30-6, Sa 9:30-3
http://www.quiznos.com/

2 for $5 on Sammies & Bullets

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
847-841-8451
http://www.ravenheartcoffee.net/

20% off your total bill


Red Bar Winery, Bistro & Nightclub
Extensive wine selections, tastings, great food, relaxed atmosphere
74 S. Grove Avenue
847-695-1659
Tu-Th Noon-10PM, Fr Noon-Midnight, Sa 5PM-Midnight
http://www.redbarwinery.com/

10% off of your total bill

Rediscover Records/Two Doors Down
A unique place to shop
207 E. Chicago Street
847-606-6284
M-Sa 11-6, Su 11-3
http://www.elginantiques80.com/

10% off your purchase

The Razor's Edge
Haircuts, styling, manicures, pedicures, massage, waxing, facials and more
55 Douglas Avenue
847-742-5211
Tu-Fr 8-5, Sa 8-3

20% off any service

Tom's Auto Clinic
Auto repair with personal care since 1969
264 Prairie Street
847-695-5835
M-F 8-5:30
http://www.tomsautoclinic.com/

$22 Oil Change - $2 will be donated to DNA

Toom Toom Thai
Great Thai Food by Thai People
23 S. Grove Avenue
847-531-8755
M, W & Th 11:30-9, Fr 11:30-10, Sa & Su Noon-9PM, Closed Tuesdays
http://www.toomtoomthai.net/

$5 lunch entrees

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
Come experience a taste of Italy in the heart of downtown Elgin!
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
Tu-Th 11-9, Fr 11-10, Sa 4-10, Sun 4-9
http://www.villaverone.net/

10% off your total bill

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - July 28-Aug 1

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, July 29

Unveiling Chaos with Of Beast & Martyrs
Cover: $7
21 & Over
Doors: 7:30pm
Show: 8:00pm

Friday, July 30

Unwritten Truth with Among the Flood
$8.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm
Basement Show

Saturday, July 31

Danny and the Devils with Universal Slim and the Blue Kangaroos & Don't Tell Mama
$8.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm

The Noah Gabriel Band
$8.00
21 & Over
Doors: 9:00pm
Show: 10:00pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

Friday, July 30
The Paxton Brothers and the Reverends
Midwest Comedy Club Performers

Saturday, July 31
Roller & TBA


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, July 30
Hyperplasia

Saturday, July 31
Astrobirds


And don't forget to check out Art & Soul on the Fox, Passeggiata and Walkabout - Theater on Your Feet this Saturday and Sunday on DuPage Court near Fulton and Spring Streets. Lively entertainment, juried art exhibits and roaming theater as well as great food and fun are just a few things on the menu for this Feast for the Senses!

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week - August 2-6

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin announced a brand new promotion entitled Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week from August 2-6.

Beginning Monday, August 2nd, many Downtown Elgin businesses will be offering special promotions geared only towards Downtown Elgin employees and business owners. Promotions will include discounted goods and services, restaurant food and drink specials and a punch card promotion enabling those who achieve the required amount of punches to be entered into a drawing for great prizes.

Individuals must show proof of their employment status within Downtown Elgin with either a business card, work I.D. badge or other means.

Even the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market vendors will be offering 10% off of any purchases on Thursday, August 5th to Downtown employees. Employees will check in at the DNA’s Harvest Market booth to obtain a special identification card to be used at the market.

This promotion is a great way not only to thank the men and women whose collective efforts help sustain Downtown’s economy but also an opportunity for the local businesses to more effectively engage their most readily accessible base of customers as well.

A complete listing of participating businesses and their corresponding specials will be available on Wednesday, July 28th in our Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 e-blast, right here on the DNA Blog and on the DNA website at http://www.downtownelgin.com/

For more information about Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week and how your business can participate, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

Curb and Gutter Work Begins Monday

Water Main Connections Begin Tonight

On Monday, July 26, work will begin at the north end of Grove Court for the removal and replacement of the curb and gutter and sidewalk along the east side of Grove Court and the north side of Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street. Curb and gutter and sidewalk removal will also begin on Spring Street between Highland Avenue and Division Street. Weather permitting, this stage of the work is expected to be completed by the end of August.

WATER MAIN
Work on the connection from the new main on Highland Avenue to the existing main on Center Street will take place this evening, July 20, 2010 beginning at 7 p.m. An additional water main service crossing on Highland Avenue between Grove Avenue and Douglas Avenue is scheduled to be done this week also. This work will also be done between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

--------------------------------------------------------
Highland Ave. Sewer Separation Project Update
Work has resumed on the City's Highland Avenue Sewer Separation Project. E. Highland Avenue at Rte. 31 is expected to reopen within 2-4 weeks to allow north-south access to Rte. 31, weather permitting.
--------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Progress Meetings
Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.
Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin' Around in Downtown icon.

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - July 21-25

No fluff. No cute intros. Just serious live music and entertainment. So much to do in Downtown Elgin this upcoming weekend - lets just get Down to it! Here's the line-up:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, July 22

Steel City with Arla Mae, Ithica, A Subtle Way and Destruction of a Rose
Cover: $10
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm

Friday, July 23

Casa Karma
$8.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm
Main Stage

Thieves and Villains
$10.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm
Basement Show

Indika Reggae Band
$7.00
21 & Over
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:30pm

Saturday, July 24

Noise Apparel
$8.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 10:30pm

Hit or Miss
$7.00
21 & Over
Doors: 8:00pm
Show: 10:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

Friday, July 23
Adrenilize and Friends

Saturday, July 24
Romero, Pony & Pooch Carver


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, July 23
Hyperplasia

Saturday, July 24
Storm Crow


And don't forget Elgin Summer Theater's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which continues at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, this Friday, July 23. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless. Showtimes this weekend are Friday & Saturday, July 23 & 24 at 8pm and Sunday, July 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at The Hemmens' Box Office by phone at 847.931.5900 or online at http://www.hemmens.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Congratulations to our Photographers on Parade Winners

The public has spoken, the votes have been tallied and we are pleased to announce the winners of our Photographers on Parade contest in conjunction with the City of Elgin's 2010 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health.

Congratulations to our winners:

FIRST PRIZE - "Smile Elgin" by sirridge66
Wins a 2010 Fourth of July Parade T-Shirt and $15 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates

SECOND PRIZE - "Boy Scout Troop" by hamsandwich_imagery

Wins 2010 Fourth of July Parade T-Shirt and $10 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate

THIRD PRIZE - "End of a Great Parade" by hamsandwich_imagery

Wins a 2010 Fourth of July Parade T-Shirt and $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate

Winners, please call or stop in the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm to pick up your prizes.

Thank you to all of our Photographers on Parade who submitted their wonderful Fourth of July parade images and thank you to all of you who voted as well!

This Week at the Harvest Market - July 22

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, July 22, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

We are also putting the “Out” back in “Out to Lunch”. On Thursday, July 29th we are taking our usual monthly Out to Lunch Meeting, which normally occurs the last Monday of each month at a local Downtown eatery with a special guest speaker, out to the Harvest Market.

For $11 (cash only) Domani Café at 109 E. Highland Avenue will provide a boxed lunch featuring your choice of their scrumptious Turkey or Cuban sandwiches, chips, cookie and bottled water or pop. DNA staff will preview some of Elgin’s upcoming August events as well as provide a brief overview of how farmers markets contribute to the sustainability of a community.

There will also be a guided walking tour of the market, a corn boil and a jaw-dropping baton twirling performance by former Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen 2007 and current Purdue University Golden Girl, MerrieBeth Cox of Roselle.

To RSVP for July’s Out to Lunch Meeting at the Harvest Market, call 847.488.1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, August 5. Among the confirmed attractions for August include:

• August 1-7 is National Farmers’ Market Week and we will be celebrating all day with several promotions and giveaways!
• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8.
• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus, The Fox River Trio and Trillium.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.
• Antique treasure hunt with Collingbourne’s Interesting Things, PK’s Antiques, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Rediscover Records and Two Doors Down.
• August 2-6 is Downtown Elgin Employee Appreciation Week - all Downtown Elgin employees who can show proof of their Downtown employment status will receive 10% off their bill with any Harvest Market vendor.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at 847.488.1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

Streetscape and Water Main Work Resumes Today

Work on Phase 4 streetscape improvements resumes today, July 20, 2010.

Sidewalk removal will take place on Center Street. Additional work on Grove Court will begin today with removal of pavement in front of the Post Office for placement of a new gutter and removal of the existing raised median and replacement with pavement.

On Monday, July 26, work will begin at the north end of Grove Court for the removal and replacement of the curb and gutter and sidewalk along the east side of Grove Court and the north side of Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street.

Work on the connection from the new main on Highland Avenue to the existing main on Center Street will take place this evening, July 20, 2010 beginning at 7 p.m. An additional water main service crossing on Highland Avenue between Grove Avenue and Douglas Avenue is scheduled to be done this week also. This work will also be done between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Weekly Progress Meetings

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the http://www.downtownelgin.info/

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - July 14-18

The Heat is ON...and no we're not talking about LeBron, Bosh and D-Wade converging on South Beach. Welcome to the "Dog Days" of a summer swelter, friends! Why not beat the heat with some cool live entertainment this weekend? That's how we roll in Downtown Elgin. Here's the rundown:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Wednesday, July 14

Jmurder with Cool Neighbors, Chris Picasso, L.R. and Dio
Cover: TBD
21 and over
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm

Friday, July 16

Animal House
$8.00
21 and over
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:30pm

Saturday, July 17

Amber Pacific
$14.00
All Ages
Doors: 4:30pm
Show: 5:00pm

Sunday, July 18

The Kobanes with Ripstick and Insufficient Funds
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 6:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

Wednesday, July 14
Sandwords, Marvin Berry & The New Sound, Here Goes Nothing and The Oil Can Boys

Friday, July 16
The Lustkillers

Saturday, July 17
Old School Metal


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, July 16
Hyperplasia

Saturday, July 17
WestBury


And don't forget Elgin Summer Theater's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which debuts at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, for a two-weekend engagement beginning this Friday, July 16. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless. Showtimes this weekend are Friday & Saturday, July 16 & 17 at 8pm and Sunday, July 18 at 3pm. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at The Hemmens' Box Office by phone at 847.931.5900 or online at http://www.hemmens.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Feast for the Senses in Downtown Elgin - July 31 & August 1

Downtown Elgin will be the center of activity on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1, when four exciting events will be presented in conjunction with each other in downtown Elgin.

ART & SOUL ON THE FOX

Art For All hosts its second annual art show featuring over 80 fine artists and artisans. The show will take place in Elgin’s downtown throughout DuPage Court, South Grove, Spring and Fulton Streets. The event runs from 11am–7pm on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 and features canvas, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and mixed media. Admission is free. The juried art show is sponsored by Art For All with $1000 in cash awards and up to $2000 in additional awards given by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission. The event's proceeds will once again benefit, by way of grant, future young artists. Learn more at www.artforall-elgin.com.

WALKABOUT: THEATER ON YOUR FEET

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents its third annual theater walk featuring five theater groups performing five short plays in five very different places making up one memorable experience. This year’s theme is "Hidden Places, Found Spaces" and will feature off-the-beaten path locations. Janus Theatre, Nothing Special Productions, Vex Theatre, Envision Theatre, and the Great American Artistic Consortium are performing. The show runs Saturdays, July 31, August 7 and 14, starting at 1pm with tours every 20 minutes until 2:20 p.m. Admission is $15 paid by cash at the door. Walkabout starts at Elgin Public House, 219 East Chicago Street. Call 847.841.1713 for reservations. Learn more at http://www.elginwalkabout.blogspot.com/.

BICYCLES ON PARADE – ART IN MOTION

The Elgin Community Network is pedaling out something new with its latest public art show – Bicycles on Parade. There will be a live auction on Sunday, August 1 at 1pm where the public can bid on beautiful, hand-painted bicycles. Proceeds benefit neighborhood programs. A silent auction will be held Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 including a Nintendo Wii, Taste of Elgin Basket, and many gift certificates. Thousands of votes have already been cast for the "Community's Favorite Bike". Learn more at http://www.elgin-ecn.org/ or http://www.gailborden.info/.

PASSEGGIATA – THE LITTLE STROLL

See the art then stay for the stroll. Announcing Elgin’s first-ever Passeggiata - a moveable feast of music, food, performance and spectacle. One night only on Saturday, July 31. Take a walk under the stars and twinkling lights where outdoor café seating, live music and dance awaits to envelop you at some of Elgin’s finest downtown establishments. The opening celebration kicks off Saturday at 7pm in DuPage Court between Mad Maggie’s and Al’s Café. Learn more on Facebook at Art & Soul on the fox, or http://www.artforall-elgin.com/.

This Week at the Harvest Market - July 15

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, July 15, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

This week Mad Discs & Dyes will be on hand conducting a tie-dying demonstration and selling various tie-dyed shirts. Representatives from the Frock Swap Committee will also be in attendance promoting their Wardrobe Renewal Event (benefitting the Community Crisis Center) which takes place at The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way on August 5th.

While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

If you haven't been to one of our "First Thursday" markets, click here to see what you've been missing!

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, August 5. Among the confirmed attractions for August include:

• August 1-7 is National Farmers’ Market Week and we will be celebrating all day with several promotions and giveaways!
• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8.
• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus and The Fox River Trio.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.
• Antique treasure hunt with Collingbourne’s Interesting Things, PK’s Antiques, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Rediscover Records and Two Doors Down.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org

4th of July Parade Float Contest Results & Thank You's

The DNA today announced the judging results from last Saturday’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade’s float contest.

There was a tie for 1st Place between the Elgin Area Historical Society and People Who Make Patriotic Floats. 2nd Place was ABODE (Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin) and 3rd Place was Spring Hill Gymnastics.

The judges also awarded two special recognition awards open to any parade entry. The “175th Anniversary” Award – reflective of entries promoting or celebrating Elgin’s rich history – went to Judson University.

The “Eco-Elgin” Award – given to the parade entry best reflecting a “going green”/sustainability theme or floats built with eco-friendly materials or processes – was a tie between Danny’s Pizza and Davey Tree Experts “Fit Forest”

The City of Elgin and the DNA would like to thank our Fourth of July Parade judges Connie Patino, Brendan Morse, Sue Moylan and Johnny Placeres for their service.

The 2010 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health, moved to Saturday, July 3rd due to the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Sunday this year, featured over 110 parade entries, 20 floats, and nearly 2,500 parade participants and took the dedicated efforts of more than 50 volunteers to execute successfully.

* * * * * * * *

Don't forget to upload your best parade photos to our 2010 Elgin 4th of July Parade Album on Photobucket for our "Photographers on Parade" Competition. Submission deadline is Friday, July 9 at 5:30pm. We will then select the top photos which will then be voted on by the general public in next week's DNN/Top 10. Prizes awarded to the winning photo(s).

The City of Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate "Summer in the City" with us this past weekend.

Special thanks to our valued parade sponsors: City of Elgin, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Sherman Health, Daily Herald, Provena/St. Joseph Hospital, Woody Buick, Redmon's Towing, Elgin Community College, The Davey Tree Experts, Insure One and VNA of Fox Valley.

Heartfelt thanks to our crew of volunteers, who gave so generously of their time over the Fourth holiday weekend to ensure the parade went as smoothly as possible.

Thank you to Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill for hosting our volunteer breakfast, Elgin Public House for hosting our parade committee meetings throughout the year, the Elgin Junior Service Board for providing V.I.P. hospitality, Redmon's Towing for providing the flatbed trailer for our Judges' stand, and to our parade Grand Marshals - Shabbona District, Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America - for helping with our parade food drive.

And well-deserved thanks to our Fourth of July Parade Committee for the countless hours spent organizing and coordinating every last detail of this parade.

Thank you again to everyone for your support and for making this year's Fourth of July Parade a successful one!

This Week at the Harvest Market

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, July 8, from 10am-4pm. The Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 at the Civic Parking Lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

This week Rich Wagner from Rediscover Records, located inside Elgin Antiques & Uniques’ brand new sister store Two Doors Down located at 209 E. Chicago Street, will be spinning vinyl and providing the soundtrack for your shopping experience. Representatives from the YWCA Elgin will also be in attendance promoting the 5th Annual Y Walk which takes place this Sunday, July 11 in Festival Park.

While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, August 5. Among the confirmed attractions for August include:

• August 1-7 is National Farmers’ Market Week and we will be celebrating all day with several promotions and giveaways!
• Steve Thoren will have his Model T car on display in advance of the 100th Anniversary of the Elgin Historic Road Rally which takes place at Sherman West Court at 1950 Larkin Avenue on Sunday, August 8.
• Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
• Live music performances by Riverside Chorus and The Fox River Trio.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.
• Antique treasure hunt with Collingbourne’s Interesting Things, PK’s Antiques, Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Rediscover Records and Two Doors Down.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - July 6-11

For those of you recovering from the long holiday weekend, welcome back to your work week! Look on the bright side - at least it's a short one! For those of you that decided to take the entire week after 4th of July off as well, you're smarter than the rest of us...and we hate you for it. Kidding!

Lots of great things to do, see and hear this week in Downtown Elgin so without further adieu here is this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene! Cue what's left of the fireworks:


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Tuesday, July 6

The Veer Union , Framing Hanley and Transmit Now
$13.00 in advance
$15.00 at the door
Doors open at 7pm
Show Starts at 8pm

Sunday, July 11
TapRoot
$10.00 in advance
$12.00 at the door
Doors open at 7pm
Show Starts at 8pm


Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, July 8

August Burns Red with Lookout Giants
$15.00
All Ages
Doors: 5:00pm
Show: 6:30pm

Friday, July 9

Rookie of the Year with School Boy Humor and After Party
$10.00
All Ages
Doors: 4:30pm
Show: 5:00pm

Hyperflo with Rocket Science
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 9:30pm
Show: 10:30pm

I Saw the Ghost
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:00pm
Show: 10:30pm (basement stage)

Saturday, July 10

The New Resistance with 3 in Counting and Shadow of a Doubt
$7.00
21 & Over
Doors: 8:00pm
Show: 9:30pm

Sunday, July 11

Theives
$7.00
All Ages
Doors: 6:15pm
Show: 6:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

Friday, July 9
The Paxton Brothers and The Stork Club

Saturday, July 10
BlackActress and Friends


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, July 9
Hyperplasia

Saturday, July 10
Astrobirds


Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival's grand finale this weekend at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's show is "Dido & Aeneas" by Purcell on Friday & Saturday, July 9 & 10 - 7:30pm and Sunday, July 11 - 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

July "First Thursday" Harvest Market Schedule of Events

It's "First Thursday" time again Harvest Market fans! On Thursday, July 1st the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market rolls out its second "First Thursday" Market of the 2010 season. On "First Thursdays" we open bright and early at 10:00 AM and extend the market hours all the way until 6:00 PM!

In addition to our usual variety of locally grown and produced fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, olives, organic products, pet treats, wine and more, we deliver on our motto of "More Than Just a Farmers' Market" by bringing in special activities and attractions:

Below is a schedule of the day's events:

11:00 AM - Dave Granger from Cirrus Falcon will roam the grounds of the Harvest Market playing all your acoustic guitar favorites!

11:30 AM - The Centre of Elgin's Raks Christina will conduct a demonstration of bellydancing as a way of improving core fitness.

Noon - The Centre of Elgin will conduct a Senior Fit exercise class.

2 PM - Ray Maxwell from Elgin Antiques & Uniques will conduct a wood furniture restoration seminar.

On-going throughout the day:

* Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct cooking demonstrations.

* Members of the Frock Swap Committee will be on hand to collect donations of women's clothing and promote their August 5th wardrobe renewal event at The Hemmens which benefits Community Crisis Center.

* Julie Schmitt of Schmitt Design Studio will have information about her unique concrete faux finish countertop overlays.

* Informational booths from Alexian Brothers, Elgin Community Network/ECCO, Salon Couture, Landin Chiropractic, The Centre and Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

Hope to see all of you out there tomorrow at the Civic Parking Lot (corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues) between 10:00 AM-6:00 PM for our July "First Thursday" Harvest Market!

"Photographers on Parade" Contest

Attention all photographers! The Downtown Neighborhood Association is looking to “parade” your best photos of the City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade to share with the world in our "PHOTOGRAPHERS ON PARADE" CONTEST!

We are encouraging all photographers, professional and amateur, to come out with your cameras to the Fourth of July Parade (which takes place this Saturday, July 3rd beginning at 10am at Slade & Douglas Avenues and ending at Highland & Douglas Avenues) to capture all the majesty, pageantry, pomp and circumstance of the parade. PLEASE NOTE: Photographers must stay behind the white bike lane lines and may not walk into the street or disrupt the parade in any way in order to snap photos.

After the parade is complete, we invite you to upload your best photos to our 4th of July Parade Group Album on Photobucket which is available at http://photobucket.com/elgin4thparade for all to see. Photo submission deadline is July 9th.

Our photography committee will select the best 5-10 submissions. We will then post a link in the July 14th issue of the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast which will enable the general public to vote for their favorites. Voting will be tabulated throughout the following week and the results will be announced in the July 21st issue of the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10.

If you are not currently receiving the Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast, visit our website at http://www.downtownelgin.com/ to sign up so that you can vote for your favorite entry and receive the latest and greatest Downtown Elgin has to offer each week.

Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates will be awarded to the first, second and third place entries.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a point-and-shoot-and-hope-for-the-best newbie, take your best shot (or shots) and share your vision with us!

NOTE: DNA will moderate all photographic submissions through Photobucket's filtering protocols and reserves the right to reject any photos for any reason. All photographic submissions will become the property of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and may be used in future DNA promotional or marketing materials, on our website or other advertising media.

Countdown is on to The City of Elgin's 2010 Fourth of July Parade

The City of Elgin’s 2010 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health steps off on Saturday, July 3 at 10am.

Over 15,000 spectators annually attend this Elgin summertime tradition, making it one of the area’s largest Fourth of July parades. This year’s parade features over 100 parade units and nearly 2,000 participants. The parade route begins at Slade and Douglas Avenues, travels south on Douglas and ends at Highland and Douglas Avenues.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is “Summer in the City!” – a celebration of the City of Elgin’s 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.

Shabbona District, Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America, who are celebrating 100 years of Scouting in 2010, will be this year’s Parade Grand Marshals. In Elgin, the Boy Scouts of America are represented by Shabbona District, Three Fires Council, which serves some 2,900 youth across 55 units, relying on more than 800 dedicated adult volunteers to advance its mission.

Roland Behling, an Eagle Scout with 75 years of participation and leadership service to Scouting, and Dick Barth, with 55 years of leadership service to the program, will both serve as honorary Grand Marshals riding in Elgin resident Richard Bennett’s powder blue 1957 Cadillac convertible representing the Boy Scouts and their promotion of life-long skills and positive role modeling.

Parade-goers and participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable food items with them to the parade. Along the parade route the Boy Scouts will be collecting the food, which will then be donated to the Salvation Army in Downtown Elgin

The Parade Committee is still 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 the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to sign up.

The DNA would like to thank our valued parade sponsors Sherman Health, Provena St. Joseph's Hospital, Woody Buick, Redmon's Towing, Elgin Community College, Davey Tree Experts, Insure One, VNA of Fox Valley and Elgin Public House.

A special thank you to all of the members of the Fourth of July Parade Committee, chaired by Jeff Allison, and all of our volunteers who will be giving so generously of their time over the holiday weekend. This parade would not be possible without all of your hard work!

It's "Summer in the City" - come out and celebrate!

Come for the Parade...Stay and Enjoy Downtown!

The City of Elgin's Fourth of July Parade Presented by Sherman Health steps off next Saturday, July 3rd at 10am.

Over 15,000 people attend this annual Elgin tradition, making it one of the most well-attended Fourth of July Parades in the suburbs. If you're coming for the parade, why not stay and enjoy all that Downtown Elgin has to offer?

Many of our Downtown restaurants are offering special post-parade promotions for our parade-goers and participants! Below is a complete summary of all the special restaurant promotions which are valid on July 3 only.

NOTE: You must print out and present the attached flyer at each venue in order to redeem your special.

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
847.841.8451

10% Off Your Order

Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

20% Off Your Total Bill (Food & Drink)
$4 Bomb Pops

Toom Toom Thai
23 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.8755

10% Off Your Total Order

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810

Hot Dog & Fries - $2.50 (dine-in only)

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349

25% Off Your First Martini (all Martinis included - limit one per person/per night)

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263

Italian Burgers or Italian Sausage with Peppers - $5.00

Domani Cafe
109 E. Highland Avenue
847.695.8851

10% Off Your Total Order

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659

Come By to Celebrate DSSB's 2nd Annual Family Fun Days on July 3rd

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.5883

$8 Ribs, $5 Burgers, $3 Budweiser Products

Quiznos Sub
59 Douglas Avenue
847.697.3240

Select Sammies & Bullets - 2 for $5 (see store for details)

We also invite all parade-goers and participants to stick around immediately after the parade to enjoy some of Downtown Elgin’s post-parade activities including the Elgin OPERA's Patriotic & Broadway Show on DuPage Court near Al's Cafe, and the Dundee Scottish Pipe Band Pub Crawl which meets at the park at the southwest corner of Chicago Street and Douglas Avenue - then proceeds to Mad Maggies and Elgin Public House.

Whether you take a splash in Festival Park's bubbling fountains, make a splash at the Grand Victoria Casino, spend some cash in our shopping district, or have a blast at one of our many dining establishments, Downtown Elgin has something for you and the entire family to enjoy!

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 23-26

It's officially "Summer in the City"; a statement of fact to be sure but also a shameless plug for the theme of the City of Elgin's 4th of July Parade coming up on July 3rd at 10am. In case anyone is interested...just sayin' is all.

Anyway, without further delay (remember July 3rd, 10am, 4th of July Parade...okay, sorry) onto this week's Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, June 24
Cavalry with Minus the Girl and They Came With Sirens - 7:30pm

Friday, June 25
Gypsy Fly - 7:00pm
The Brokedown with Vacation Bible School, Spanish Gamble and Arms Aloft - 8:00pm


Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-.349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Thursday, June 24
Refried Blues Band - 9:00pm


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Saturday, June 26
Party Favors


Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas
847-695-5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Friday, June 25
Blind Roosevelts


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 25
Hed P.E. & Kutt Calhoun

Saturday, June 26
False Idols

Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival this weekend and running every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include Staged Opera Scenes From Popular Operas on Friday & Saturday, June 25 & 26 at 7:30pm and Broadway & Variety Show, Excerpts from your Favorite Broadway Shows on Sunday, June 27 at 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit their website at http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

4th of July Parade! July 3rd! 10am! Be there!

Okay, I'm done!

Previewing July "First Thursday" Harvest Market

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers continues its landmark tenth season this Thursday, June 24 from 10am-4pm at the Civic Center Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenue near City Hall. We invite you to come out and shop for all the best locally grown produce, fresh baked bread, meats, cheeses, spices and organic products!

Our next "First Thursday" market will take place on Thursday, July 1 with special extended market hours from 10am-6pm. In addition to our usual market, the DNA has planned the following activities and attractions for July's First Thursday:

* Ray Maxwell from Elgin Antiques & Uniques, whose antique juicers and reamers were recently profiled in Martha Stewart Living Magazine, will conduct a wood furniture restoration demonstration.

* The Elgin Express Train will pay a visit to the Harvest Market.
* Chef Virginia Lopez will conduct a cooking demonstration.
* The Frock Swap committee will be on hand to promote this year's wardrobe recycling/revitalization event, which benefits the Community Crisis Center, on August 5 at The Hemmens Cultural Center.
* The Centre's Raks Christina will be demonstrating Tribal Improvisational Bellydance which helps build core strength.
* Mad Discs & Dyes will conduct a t-shirt tie-dying demo.
* A Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Elgin will commence at 6pm. If you are interested in participating in the walking tour, please RSVP to downtownelgin@gmail.com by June 30.
* Information booths from Alexian Brothers, Salon Couture, Landin Chiropractic, ECCO and Elgin Community Network.
* Live music and entertainment (TBA)

The dates for the remaining special "First Thursday" markets this season are August 5, September 2 and October 7.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 17-20

If you look up "Live Music and Entertainment" in the Enyclopedia - you may very well find a picture of this weekend in Downtown Elgin next to it (unless you're using Wikipedia - who knows what you'll find there). Six simple words: Elgin Brew Fest and Noise Fest 2010!

Elgin Brewfest returns to Downtown Elgin's Festival Park on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19. Hours each night are 5pm-Midnight.

Brewfest features a large selection of premium beers, local food vendors (including Downtown's very own Elgin Public House, Red Bar Winery and The Roadhouse/Main Event) and, of course, live music from your favorite local bands, including Chasing the Day, He Said/She Said and Modern Day Romeos on Friday night and U.F.C. Band, HiFi Superstar, Men from Marz and 7th Heaven on Saturday night. For more information on specific showtimes visit http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

The festival grounds are free to enter. Wristbands with valid photo ID must be obtained to purchase alcohol. $5 per ticket. 1 ticket = 1 beer. All food, soda, water, energy drink and wine sales are cash only.

Elgin Brewfest is an annual charity event serving the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.

* * * * * * * *

42 Bands! Two Days! Only one place to be: Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin for Noise Fest 2010!

On Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue will serve as your host for Noise Fest 2010! This two-day festival packed with fun, games, good times and great local music, will be hosted by Finnigan of 103.5 KISS-FM!

Saturday's performers include SUNS (ex. Wax on Radio), MOD SUN (ex. Four Letter Lie), London (Severe Records), LOOKOUT! Giants, Goodbye Coastline, Emblems, Snowsera, Farwell, In Reverie, Artists vs Athletes, From The Sidelines, Defined My Nightmare, Tadashi, Chase This City, Calls for Comfort, Crayolala, Closing In, Power Power Tiger Paw, My Alumni, and The Light Up Scene.

Sunday's performers include JUST LEFT (standby records), The Alumni Club, Weekend FM, The Delivery Boys, Scarlett, Last Avenue, Chimera Twilight, Rocky Loves Emily (MI), Just The Kid, Backdrop (IA), AM:PM, So Last Summer, The Fireship, Our Story After All, Draft Week, Dear Noel (IN), The Born Ready, Ben Hammond, Cadence Fox, The Laffing Hyenas, and The Window Theatre.

To our Downtown Neighbors up and down S. Grove Street and in the surrounding vicinity, this will be an all-day event on both Saturday and Sunday so expect additional traffic. To the patrons of Noise Fest 2010, welcome to Downtown Elgin and please be respectful of our neighbors and the neighborhood!

* * * * * * * *

Now onto the rest of this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Thursday, June 17
Chicago Farmer with Old Stone and Griffin Phelps - 8:00pm

Friday, June 18
Ryan Corcoran - 6:30pm
Hi-Fi Superstar - 10:30pm


Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 18
Rologreb and guests - funky new age rock!

Saturday, June 19
Joe Stump, a professor of music at Berkley and one of the top ten guitar shredders alive (as rated by Guitar enthusiast magazine) will be performing his amazing guitar techniques along with Kevin Buck (a Chicago area guitar master who was signed as a representative for Jackson guitars) and The Blizzard of Ozz (the Chicago ultimate Ozzy Osbourn/Black Sabbath tribute)


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 18
Hyperplasia

Saturday, June 19
Q Balls


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 18
Libido Funk Circus


Also don't forget about the Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival this weekend and running every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include Opera in Concert - Highlights From Your Favorite Operas on Friday & Saturday, June 18 & 19 - 7:30pm and Mozart at His Best! - Don Giovanni, Cosi fan Tutte, Magic Flute and More on Sunday, June 20 - 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/

Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Celebrating Dad's Day in Downtown

Happy Fathers Day to all of the amazing dads out there!

If you want to show dad how much you appreciate him on his special day, ditch the ties and tools and bring him Downtown for a man-sized meal with the family! Many of our Downtown Elgin restaurants and establishments have Daddy-themed dine-in specials this coming Sunday for that wonderful father in your life.

Here are just a few:

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Father's Day Brunch - $14.95 - June 20th - Bring Dad in for Brunch. Country Fried Steak, Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef & Sweet Potato Hash, Unlimited Bloody Mary Bar, and time with his family!

Toom Toom Thai
23 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.8755

http://www.toomtoomthai.net/

Get 20% off when you make a reservation for Fathers Day, Sunday, June 20th!

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Street
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Half off all food and drinks on Sundays! (excluding specials)

Al's Cafe
43 DuPage Court
847.742.1180
http://www.alscafe.com/

Just in time for Father's Day, Al's Cafe & Creamery is now open on Sundays from 11am-8pm all summer! Treat dad to one of several taste-tempting black angus steak specials for $13.95 as June is Black Angus Month at Al's Cafe!

Celebrating Pedal Power at This Thursday's Harvest Market

In honor of the City of Elgin’s Bike to Work Week from June 14-18, the Downtown Neighborhood Association is encouraging all bicyclists to ride like the wind to the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market at the Civic Center Parking Lot next to City Hall from 10am-4pm this Thursday, June 17 for a variety of bicycle-friendly activities:

• The Bicycle Garage will be conducting a Bike Education and Repair Clinic at Noon.
• All bicyclists who attend the Harvest Market will be registered to win a $25 Downtown Elgin gift certificate redeemable at dozens of Downtown businesses and restaurants.
• There will be a bike corral area available for riders to park their bikes while shopping at the Harvest Market.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market runs every Thursday thru October 7 from 10am-4pm. While offering a wide variety of fresh, locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, plants, bread, meats, cheeses, jams and spices, the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market really is much more than just a Farmers’ Market.

On the first Thursday of each new month, the Harvest Market rolls out its special promotional market entitled “First Thursday”. During “First Thursday” the market extends business hours by two hours from 10am-6pm and features cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibits, health and wellness seminars, guided walking tours of Downtown Elgin and much more.

Our next “First Thursday” market takes place on Thursday, July 1. Among the confirmed attractions for July include:

• Mad Discs & Dyes will conduct a demonstration of T-shirt tie-dying with all natural dyes.
• The continuation of the “D.I.Y. Pollock” Public Art Project which encourages patrons of the market to add their own unique artistic painting touches to a canvas.
• The Centre of Elgin will conduct live fitness/healthy living seminars.

Nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Elgin within minutes of the Grand Victoria Casino, Metra and the scenic Fox River, and within walking distance from Downtown’s dining and shopping district, the Harvest Market attracts hundreds of local residents and workers each and every week.

For more information about the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please call Jason Pawlowski, Promotions Coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail: jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 9-13

Okay...fingers crossed, knocking on wood, rubbing lots of lucky rabbits feet...are you ready to celebrate Blackhawks fans? One more win until Chicago's ONE GOAL is fulfilled: winning Lord Stanley's Cup! Bring your playoff beards to Downtown Elgin where there are plenty of hotspots to get your "Cup" on for Game 6 tonight:

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill at 231 Douglas Avenue (35 cent wings, $3 Bud Light 16 oz. cans)
Gasthaus at 15 N. Grove Avenue
La Quebrada Restaurant at 50 N. Spring Street
Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago Street
Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue
The Roadhouse/Main Event at 200 Prairie Street

All of these establishments will be showing Game 6 tonight at 7pm (and, heaven forbid, Game 7 on Friday night) so bring your "squad" out! GAME ON!

Now onto this week's Live Music & Entertainment Scene:

Mad Maggies
51 S. Grove
847-531-5883
http://www.madmaggies.net/

Wednesday, June 9
Sleep Serpsis Sleep with The Gun Show, Thyatiera, Inocula and Unreckoned - 6:00pm

Thursday, June 10
Geronimo with Oh Well, Solar Bear, An Aesthetic Anaesthetic and The Please & Thank Yous - 7:30pm

Friday, June 11
Eternal Dawn with Sage 4, Spirits Asunder and Zmeu - 5:00pm
Shifter - 10:30pm

Saturday, June 12
Savanna Road with Dysfunctional Mariachi and Innertragic - 7:30pm

Sunday, June 13
In Media Res with Demolisher, Erjony, Face the Frontline, Through the Fire and Scavenger - 7:00pm


Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Friday, June 11
Hyperplasia

Saturday, June 12
Astrobirds

Sunday, June 13
Irish Sessions


The Roadhouse/Main Event
200 Prairie Street
847-695-4454
http://www.roadhouseelgin.com/

Friday, June 11
Halfpint Brawlers

Sunday, June 13
Powerman 5000 - First Band 9:00pm, Headliner 10:00pm, ALL AGES SHOW!


Also don't miss out on two of Elgin's performing arts gems this weekend: Elgin Symphony Orchestra and Elgin OPERA.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra closes out their monumental 60th Season with a chilling performance entitled Symphonie Fantastique. All performances are conducted at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin, Showtimes are Friday, June 11 at 1:30pm, Saturday, June 12 at 8:00pm and Sunday, June 13 at 3:30pm and great seats are available for as low as $15! For more information, visit the ESO website at http://www.elginsymphony.org/

The Elgin OPERA's 2nd Annual Summer Music Festival begins this weekend and runs every weekend through July 11 at the Kimball Street Theater, located on the first level of the new Rider Center on the campus of Elgin Academy at 261 Dundee Avenue. This weekend's shows include German Lieder Night - Schubert, Schumann, Strauss & more on Friday, June 11 at 7:30pm and A French Evening - Fauré, Debussy, Massenet and more on Saturday, June 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $13 for Seniors and Students and $10 for Elgin OPERA Guild Members. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Elgin OPERA at 847.695.5014, via email: office@elginopera.org, or visit http://www.elginopera.org/


Remember that bands, ticket prices and performance times are subject to change so we ask that you please call or visit each venue's website for ticket information, performance times or for any applicable cover charges.

Puzzling Product to Help Raise Funds for Design Committee Projects

Not only can you own a piece of Downtown Elgin history but you can also help ensure the continued efforts of the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee to maintain Downtown's unique and distinctive historic look as well.

The DNA is now selling a beautiful 12-piece collectible jigsaw puzzle of Elgin's Tower Building for just $5! Proceeds of the puzzle sales will benefit DNA Design Committee Projects.

Puzzles can be purchased at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin and will also be available for sale at our booth at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, at the corner of Highland and Douglas in the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall, each and every Thursday from 10am-4pm. In addition to the Tower Building puzzles, you can also purchase Harvest Market tote bags for $2, Harvest Market t-shirts for $10 and Rediscover Downtown Elgin t-shirts (while supplies last) for $5.

And don't forget that Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates - redeemable at dozens of businesses in Downtown - make great gifts for graduations, weddings and birthdays! Stop by the DNA Office to pick some up today!

Noise Fest 2010 Comes to Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin

42 Bands! Two Days! Only one place to be: Mad Maggies in Downtown Elgin!

On Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20, Mad Maggies at 51 S. Grove Avenue will serve as your host for Noise Fest 2010. The two-day indoor and outdoor festival packed with fun, games, good times and great local music, will be hosted by Finnigan of 103.5 KISS-FM. Shows begin at 1pm on both dates.

Saturday's performers include SUNS (ex. Wax on Radio), MOD SUN (ex. Four Letter Lie), London (Severe Records), LOOKOUT! Giants, Goodbye Coastline, Emblems, Snowsera, Farwell, In Reverie, Artists vs Athletes, From The Sidelines, Defined My Nightmare, Tadashi, Chase This City, Calls for Comfort, Crayolala, Closing In, Power Power Tiger Paw, My Alumni, and The Light Up Scene.

Sunday's performers include JUST LEFT (standby records), The Alumni Club, Weekend FM, The Delivery Boys, Scarlett, Last Avenue, Chimera Twilight, Rocky Loves Emily (MI), Just The Kid, Backdrop (IA), AM:PM, So Last Summer, The Fireship, Our Story After All, Draft Week, Dear Noel (IN), The Born Ready, Ben Hammond, Cadence Fox, The Laffing Hyenas, and The Window Theatre.

To our Downtown Neighbors up and down S. Grove Street and in the surrounding vicinity, this will be an all-day event on both Saturday and Sunday so expect additional traffic. To the patrons of Noise Fest 2010, welcome to Downtown Elgin and please be respectful of our neighbors and the neighborhood.

$5 presales available until June 18 at http://www.yourticketstand.com/
$12 at the door
$20 for a two-day pass

For more information, visit http://www.noiseapparel.com/ or http://www.madmaggies.net/

COME OUT AND GET LOUD!