The Scene: Another Big September Saturday On Tap

The song may say, "Wake me up when September ends," but after a fun-filled September slate of family festivals, live entertainment and cultural events the last two weekends in downtown Elgin, you may need another 40 winks at September's conclusion.

Whatever your weekend plans are, cancel them! We've got your Friday and Saturday planned in downtown this weekend:

Friday, September 24th

Ladies first! At 5pm, kick off your heels and celebrate the weekend with Salon Couture at 176 E. Chicago Street and their monthly Martini and Manicure event. For $25, you'll savor an Espresso martini while enjoying $10 chair massages and $10 off all hair, nail, facials and full massages. You'll also be eligible for a drawing to win a $25 Salon Couture gift card.

Don't stop the pampering there! Grab up your main squeeze and head over to Douglas Street Sports Bar at 231 Douglas Avenue for their Fantastic Friday including live music and an $8 Fish Fry or enjoy some live jazz upstairs at Elgin Public House's (219 E. Chicago Street) Pub 217. At 9pm, get your Martini fix again at Martini Room's (161 E. Chicago Street) Harlem Liquor Tasting featuring Harlem RHS shots for $2 and Harlem Tootsie Roll Martinis for $6. Then dance the rest of your night away After Dark-style on Red Bar Winery's (74 S. Grove Avenue) dance floor.

Saturday, September 25th

Good morning sunshine! Start off your Saturday with a morning coffee or breakfast nosh at Domani Cafe at 109 E. Highland Avenue or Ravenheart Coffee at 176 E. Chicago Street.

Then head over to the 2010 Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo from 9am-2pm at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall. Check out all the coolest muscle cars, hot rods, classics, vintage and antique roadsters as well as the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies, hybrids, E-85's, veggie oilers and much more! Two great car shows for one great price - FREE!

Afterwards, grab lunch at one of over a dozen downtown eateries:

Maybe a burger and a Burns malt at Al's Cafe & Creamery at 43 DuPage Court, wonderful Chinese cuisine at Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant at 11 Douglas Avenue, tantilizing Thai food at Toom Toom Thai at 23 S. Grove Avenue, or a tasty Sammie and soup at Quiznos Sub at 59 Douglas Avenue?

Perhaps Mexican food is front-and-center on your menu. No problem. Enjoy all the festive flavors of fine Mexican fare at La Puesta Del Sol at 165 E. Highland Avenue, La Quebrada at 50 N. Spring Street, El Faro at 9 N. State Street, or Camaroncito Loco at 21 N. State Street.

If you've got a craving for gaming, bring your crew to the Grand Victoria Casino at 250 S. Grove Avenue to double-down on four distinct dining experiences for appetites of all kinds including Crave Deli, Grand Victoria Buffet, Prime BurgerHouse, and Buckingham's Steakhouse.

Feeling full yet? Save room for the "Cos" as legendary comedian Bill Cosby comes to the Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way for two shows at 5pm and again at 9pm. For ticket information and purchase, call the Hemmens' Box Office at (847) 931-5900 or visit http://www.hemmens.org/.

Cap off the night with friends at the 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl beginning at 8pm. Start off by picking up your passport at any one of the ten participating downtown venues including:

The AfterSet - 158 Symphony Way
Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill - 231 Douglas Avenue
Elgin Public House - 219 E. Chicago Street
Gasthaus - 15 N. Grove Avenue
Hangout Club & Grill - 51 S. Grove Avenue
La Puesta Del Sol - 165 E. Highland Avenue
Martini Room - 161 E. Chicago Street
Medusa's - 209 E. Chicago Street
Red Bar Winery - 74 S. Grove Avenue
Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano - 13 Douglas Avenue

Procure a minimum of 6 punches on your passport, fill it out and insert it into one of the passport collection boxes to be eligible for some great prizes courtesy of City Beverage and Budweiser including a Michelob Mountain Bike, Budweiser Coleman Cooler, Amber Bock Golf Bag and Bud iPod Speaker Tower.

Volunteers from Senior Services Associates, The John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin will be on hand at each venue selling charity raffle tickets for $5 each with proceeds to be split amongst the three Not-for-Profit organizations. Raffle prizes include a brand new iPad (valued at $525) and a $250 cash prize.

Some of the Pub Crawl venues have special events going on as well including Birthday Night at Medusa's, Comedy Night at Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill and Hall of Fame blues recording artist Lonnie Brooks performing at 8pm at Hangout Club & Grill's (formerly Mad Maggie's) grand opening!

To make sure everyone gets home safely, A-1 Cab Dispatch will have a fleet of cabs in and around downtown as well as discounted fare coupons (good for the night of the Pub Crawl only) available at each Pub Crawl venue.

If ever there was a weekend to get Downtown, this would be the one!

Enjoy your weekend!

Downtown Elgin Construction Update - Week of September 27

Dexter Court Reconstruction Begins This Week

Reconstruction of Dexter Court begins Monday, September 27. Dexter Court will be closed for two weeks to allow for reconstruction. Access to City Hall is available through the Civic Center parking lot with access from Douglas Avenue, Highland Avenue and Grove Court.

The City's payment drop box will be temporarily relocated during construction. To access the drop box, enter the Civic Center Parking lot from Douglas Avenue. Vehicular access to the drop box will be available in a drive up lane set up in the parking area along the north side of this entrance.

Click here for detour route > > >

The closure of Dexter Court is expected to last until Monday, October 11.

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Installation of brick paver sidewalks continues on the south side of Highland Avenue from Grove Avenue to Douglas Avenue and from Spring Street to Center Street.

Milling of the existing asphalt surface and installation of the first layer of the new asphalt surface throughout this phase of the project is expected to begin the week of October 11.

This phase of the CBD Streetscape project includes Highland Avenue from Riverside Drive to Center Street, Grove Court, Spring Street from Highland Avenue to Division Street, Dexter Court and Center Street from Kimball Street to Dundee Avenue.

* * * * * * * *

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 ArtSpace Project Receives Funding

The Elgin ArtSpace Project, slated for the Fountain Square campus at 15 S. Spring Street, was recently approved for funding through a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

For a transcript of the official press release from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's office, click here!

Check out these stories in the Daily Herald and on BocaJump about the Elgin ArtSpace Project being approved for funding through a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority:

Daily Herald

"Grant means full speed ahead for Elgin artist co-op"
By Harry Hitzeman

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=409499&src=32

Courier News

"State OKs financing plan for Artspace project in Elgin"

By Mike Danahey

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/2732720,Artspace-project-funding_EL092110.article

BocaJump

http://elgin.bocajump.com/Articles/elgins-artspace-awarded-ihda-funding

Downtown Elgin Construction Update - Week of September 20

Installation of brick paver sidewalks continues on the north side of Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street and should conclude this week.

Removal of the remaining portion of the existing sidewalk on the south side of Highland, grading and placing aggregate base for the new sidewalk begins on Friday, September 17. New sidewalk and concrete base for brick pavers will be poured during the week of September 20 also. Installation of the new brick pavers will begin the week of September 27.

Installation of the new water main on Dexter Court will begin on Wednesday, September 22. This work will be done during overnight hours, generally 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This work is expected to continue on Thursday and possibly Friday evenings as well.

Work on the reconstruction of Grove Court is expected to begin on Monday, September 27.

* * * * * * * *

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.

The Scene - September 16-19

It's another busy weekend in downtown Elgin and to celebrate we are bringing back "The Scene" - a summary of other quick hits and happenings in and around downtown this weekend.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

- Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill at 231 Douglas Avenue will have live music with "K-Sextion", an $8.00 Fish Fry and $5.00 Jack Daniels Drinks all month long.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

- Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago Street is hosting Half Way to St. Patty's Day all day on Saturday. Stop in to EPH to party Irish style! Great Irish food specials including Corned Beef and Cabbage, Lamb Stew and Sheppards Pie. Also great specials on Guinness, Killians, Sam Smith, St. Petes, Jameson and Tullamore Dew.

- Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill will be celebrating Jack Daniels' Birthday party with live music from "Dont No" and a visit by the Jack Danielas Girls. $8 Half Slab of BBQ Ribs and $14 Full Slab of BBQ Ribs on both Saturday and Sunday.

- The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way is rolling out the red carpet for the Elgin Short Film Festival at 7pm. Six short films chosen by the selection committee will be screened and then guests will vote for their favorite. WGN's Dean Richards will serve as the evening's emcee. For tickets visit www.hemmens.org for tickets. And be sure to purchase tickets for the Red Carpet Reception immediately following the event featuring dancing, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Also a reminder that next Saturday, September 25th Bill Cosby will be in downtown Elgin performing two live shows at 5pm and 9pm at Hemmens!

And on your way into downtown on Saturday be sure to stop by the Elgin Fire Museum's Open House from 10am-3pm to enjoy family-friendly activities including water fights, food, museum tours, intereactive displays and much more! Also the Elgin Police Department will be hosting a rummage sale from 10am-3pm (on Friday and Saturday) to raise money for the police department's Canine unit.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

- The 2010 Tropical Summer Jam Automotive & Motorcycle Show takes place at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues. Trophies and awards will be presented to cars and bikes in all categories and a cash prize is available for the "hopping" contest. E-mail raw1productions@yahoo.com for more information.

And don't forget to check out the Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo next Saturday, September 25th at the Civic Parking Lot from 9am-2pm. Visit www.downtownelgin.com for more info or to pre-register your vehicle.

- The Elgin Art Showcase at the Professional Building at 164 Division Street, 8th Floor presents Love and Gershwin at 4:30pm. The performance features vocalist Rise Jones with Margaret Brady on the piano. Tickets are $10. Please call 847.302.0379 for information or reservations.

Now Accepting Nominations for 2010 DNA Awards Gala

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is asking for your help in recognizing outstanding downtown Elgin volunteers, businesses, groups, organizations or DNA partners/members by nominating them for an award at the 2010 DNA Awards Gala, which takes place Thursday, October 14 at the Grand Victoria Casino from 6-9pm.

Categories include "Remarkable Renovation", "Excellence in Business", "Outstanding DNA Member/Partner" and "Extraordinary Volunteer".

Eligible businesses and volunteers must have had renovation, business, time partnering and/or volunteering with the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) or in downtown Elgin between October 1, 2009 and October 1, 2010. Each award category may have its own specific eligibility requirements as well.

Nomination forms are available at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in downtown Elgin, by calling 847.488.1456 or download the form here!

Individual tickets for the 2010 DNA Awards Gala are $60 ($50 for current DNA Members) and sponsored tables are $600 ($500 for current DNA Members). Click here to RSVP and purchase tickets online!

Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo Postponed

The Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Car Show Committee regret to announce that the 2010 Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo scheduled for Saturday, September 11 from 9am-3pm has been postponed due to inclement weather.

We are targeting Saturday, September 25th as a possible new date to reschedule the car show. Location: Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall. Hours: TBD.

Once we have the date confirmed, we invite you to come out and enjoy two great car shows in one: all the best muscle cars, hot rods, antique and classic cars as well as the latest in alternative fuel vehicles, hybrids and green technology cars!

And if you have a car you'd like to showcase at the Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at 847.488.1456 to pre-register or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

We are also seeking volunteers to help out on the day of the car show as well as sponsors and vendors.

We appreciate your understanding about the postponement and hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Art Salon Making Waves in Downtown Elgin

100+ artists, $3,000 in prizes, and the TARDIS from Dr. Who?

A vacant industrial building in downtown Elgin will be transformed into a gallery of art and spectacle at The Next Wave Art Salon on September 11, from 6 to 10PM.

More than 100 artists from all over the Chicago area have registered to participate in this unique showcase of art in the suburbs. All types of art will be represented – from fine art, to digital, to performance and, literally, everything in between. Even “hair art” and “aerial art” will be represented, and certainly new categories of art will be created throughout the weekend.

Billed as a “radically inclusive” event, the only guideline artists are asked to follow is that their submissions are based on the theme of “working.” Whether an artist is a professional who has shown his work at too many shows to remember, a young, burgeoning artist just out of college, or someone who works a 9 to 5 and has never shown her work to anyone but her cat – all are welcome and encouraged to share their work with each other and the community at this event.

The “salon” concept is inspired by the salons of the 17th century that brought together visual artists, writers, performers, philosophers, political thinkers and creators from all walks of life to an environment free of censorship for the purpose of sharing ideas and creating new relationships.

Three $1000 prizes will be awarded to the artists who best exhibit the theme of “working” in a style that is their own.

The Next Wave Art Salon is hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin (DNA), a volunteer-driven organization that works to revitalize downtown Elgin. This is one of many arts events that, in recent years, are contributing to the renaissance that downtown Elgin is experiencing.

Events such as the Next Wave also help to lay the foundation for arts-related economic development projects, such as “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. This project is currently under consideration for approval by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

In addition to the 100-plus artists participating in the event, the DNA has partnered with a handful of other organizations and businesses to make the event possible. One such partner is Acme Design Co., an Elgin-based product design company that makes movie props, product replicas and other types of art for the purpose of “work.” Acme is donating a number of pieces to the event, but the one that is drawing the most buzz is the replica TARDIS from Dr. Who that Acme designed and built for a collector.

Funding for the Next Wave Art Salon is provided by the Florence B. and Cornelia A. Palmer Foundation, a local private foundation that supports arts organizations and events, with in-kind support from the City of Elgin, Fabric Images and the Haight Family.

The Next Wave Art Salon will be held at 166 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin, just one block east of The Centre of Elgin and just north of the Elgin Police Department. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, September 11, 6-10PM. Free parking is available in the public parking garage across from the Centre.

More information is available at thenextwave.me or by calling (847) 488-1456.

2010 Elgin Pub Crawl Returns on Saturday, September 25

The 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl takes place on Saturday, September 25th beginning at 8pm and spanning ten great venues in downtown Elgin.

Participating venues are:

The AfterSet
158 Symphony Way
847.608.7570

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill

231 Douglas Avenue

847.695.5659

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810

Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Hangout Club & Grill (formerly Mad Maggies)
51 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.5883

La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349

Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street
818.342.9877

Red Bar Winery
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263

Senior Services Associates, Inc. and The John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund will be selling raffle tickets throughout September leading up to the night of the Pub Crawl. Senior Services' raffle prize will be a brand new iPad and the McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund will offer a $250 cash prize! Raffle ticket proceeds, as well as the proceeds from Pub Crawl T-Shirt sales on the night of the Pub Crawl, will benefit these Not-for-Profit organizations.

Pub Crawl passports will be available at all participating venues on the night of September 25th. "Crawlers" who collect a minimum of 6 stamps will turn in their passport at the end of the evening to be entered into a drawing for some great prizes courtesy of the fine folks at City Beverage and Budweiser.

All Budweiser & Bud Light bottles will be available for the low price of $3 per bottle at each of the ten participating Elgin Pub Crawl venues.

Below is a map of the ten participating 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl venues:

Rediscover Downtown Elgin on September 11

Saturday, September 11th is THE day to be in Downtown Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin invites you to rediscover all the wonderful things downtown has to offer!

Bring the whole family as there will be so much to do and see that day including:

* Patriotic Ceremony beginning at 9am on Walton Island by the flag sculpture - the public is invited to join in this formal ceremony which includes a color guard, rifle squad, and musical performances

* The Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo from 9am-3pm at the Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall in downtown Elgin - two distinctly unique shows: one showcasing classic, muscle and antique cars and the other highlighting green technology and hybrid vehicles all in one place

* Commemorative 9/11 Artwork Unveiling at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue at 10am - the library will host an unveiling of an installation commemorating 9/11 by renowned abstract artist George Kokines

* Elgin's Fit Forest Ceremonies & Activities at Festival Park entrance and main stage at 1pm - a cooperative initiative between the City of Elgin, The Davey Expert Tree Company and the U.S. Forest Service to improve Elgin’s urban forest

* The City of Elgin's Biggest Block Party at Festival Park from 1pm-10pm - live music, kids activities, bags tournament benefitting Elgin Parks Department, climbing wall, touch-a-truck as well as food, drinks and loads of family fun are just a few things on the menu for this end of summer celebration

* The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin's Duck Pluck at 2pm at Festival Park - adopt your duck today by visiting www.elginducks.com

* Dancewerks' "Legs and Lace Goes to Hollywood" at Elgin Art Showcase at 7pm & 9:30pm - tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door

* The Next Wave Art Salon at 166 Symphony Way from 6-10pm - a free event attracting artists of all genres and mediums with innovative approaches to their art form gathered together in a "found space" in downtown Elgin

Your Gail Borden Public Library Card Has Superpowers!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and your Gail Borden Public Library card has superpowers! Show it at participating businesses during September to receive a discount on merchandise or services. See below for a list of participating downtown Elgin businesses offering a discount and be a money-saving superhero!

Al’s Café – 43 DuPage Court
10% off the check.

Andersen’s Engraving – 27 N. Grove Ave.
10% off all orders.

Artistic Framing & Supplies – 25 N. Grove Ave.
10% off framing and 15% off in-stock supplies.

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant – 11 Douglas Ave.
10% off your entire bill, excluding alcohol.

Douglas Street Sports Bar – 231 Douglas Ave.
5% off food.

Elgin Books – 209 E. Chicago
10% off total of any purchase.

Elgin Historical Museum – 360 Park St.
10% off one regularly priced item in museum store.

Elgin Public House – 219 E. Chicago St.
$4 off two or more entrees, one per table, dine in only (not combinable with any other coupons or gift certificate)

Integrity Beauty Salon – 213 E. Chicago St.
10% off any service.

Keeney’s Sporting Goods – 19 Douglas
10% off any purchase; not including U-46 gym suits.

La Rosita Bakery – 7 N. State St.
One free bread with any purchase.

La Tazza Café – 270 N. Grove Ave.
Free iced tea or lemonade with the purchase of any sandwich.

Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi – 169 E. Chicago St.
Free immigration legal consultation.

Quiznos – 59 Douglas Ave.
10% off orders over $5 on nonsale items; excludes everyday value items and torpedoes, bullets and sammies.

Red Bar Winery & Bistro – 74 S. Grove St.
10% off any food item; alcohol not included.

Salon Couture – 176 E. Chicago St.
20% off any one service or product; one discount per visit.

Villa Verone – 13 Douglas Ave.
5% off the total bill.

For a complete list of all participating businesses, visit www.gailborden.info

Highland Avenue Streetscape Work Continues This Week

Work continues the week of August 23 along the north side of E. Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street.

This work includes grading, framing and pouring new sidewalk and the concrete base for the brick paver sidewalk.

Concrete placement is expected to be completed by Labor Day with placement of brick pavers by mid-September.

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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.

Lets Spice It Up! Spice Truck Returns to the Harvest Market

The Lets Spice It Up! Spice Truck pays a return visit to the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market this Thursday, August 12 from 10am-4pm at our temporary new location at the Old Gail Borden Parking Lot at the southwest corner of Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

Michael and Lisa will be on hand with all of your favorite dried spices, soup bases, sauces, salsas and much more! For more information about Let's Spice It Up! visit their website at http://www.letsspiceitup.com/

Also as a special treat this week, we welcome back Dustin from Mad Discs and Dyes who will be conducting an interactive T-shirt tie-dying demonstration beginning at Noon.

The Harvest Market's temporary move to the Old Gail Borden Lot is for this week only due to the pavement reconstruction project at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues from August 12-16.

The Market will return to our usual home at the Civic Parking Lot on Thursday, August 19th from 10am-4pm.

"First Thursday" Harvest Market Recipe - Grilled Pizza

At each and every "First Thursday" Harvest Market, Chef Virginia Lopez conducts a cooking demonstration sponsored by Ziegler's Ace Hardware at 215 N. Spring Street in Downtown Elgin. This past Thursday, August 5th, Chef Lopez showed Harvest Market patrons the secret to grilling great pizza. That's right...pizza on the grill! Now she is sharing her recipe with you as well:

PIZZA ON THE GRILL

Pizza on the grill is one more reason to fire up your grill this summer! There are many pizza dough recipes out there. This one is good, quick and easy.

1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons salt
2¾ to 3 cups all- purpose flour
½ teaspoon herbs of your choice fresh or dried (optional)

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the oil, sugar, baking soda and 2 cups flour. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6to 8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll dough into a 13-in. circle or shape dough by hand. Keep a built up edge. Brush one side with olive oil and place oiled side down on medium heat grill cook covered for about 4 to 8 minutes. Remove from grill. Put sauce and topping of your choice on the browned side and place back on the grill, cover and cook for 4-to-8 minutes longer or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Some suggestions for toppings:

Sauces: barbeque sauce, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce
Meats: cooked Italian sausage, bacon, barbeque chicken
Grilled Vegetables: eggplant, broccoli, onion, sweet red pepper, green pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes
Don’t forget salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to spice it up!

To download the recipe in PDF form, click here!

And be sure to check out Chef Virginia Lopez's cooking demo at our September "First Thursday" Harvest Market at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues on Thursday, September 2nd from 10am-6pm.

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.


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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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.