Signs

New sign for the Fulton Street parking deck. We could use one of these for the Spring Street deck.



Mad Maggies sign. The restaurant and bar will open in September. Those on the Pub Crawl had a sneak peek and I can confirm that it is impressive. Looks like dancing will be big here based on the size of the dance floor and the lights, fog machine, etc.

Per comment from Brian, Mad Maggies won't be a dance club really, maybe some fun 80's/indie dance nights mixed with bands etc...but the dance floor you mention is going to be the main dining area for the restaurant which should be open in a week or two, check out madmaggies.net or mpshows.com for upcoming events, specials and more!

One problem could be the nearly identical bars on the first and second floors. You may think you're seeing double before your first drink.


Al's sign on Spring Street. These are great examples of signage in downtown Elgin, let's see some more like these.

Alley of Art - Week 1

The Alley of Art's first week had music and art along with great weather.

Margot Seigle explains how A'i jewelry is handcrafted by Cofan women in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

You have two more chances to experience Alley of Art and Walkabout Theatre for yourself on August 23rd and 30th. More info is available here.

Daily Herald article - Live theater comes to Elgin

BoriquaFest 2008

The music

The booths

The colors

The roasted pork

The drinks

Courier News article - Elgin fest celebrates all things Puerto Rican and photos

Downtown Blog is all in a Twitter

What?
Now you can follow the Downtown Elgin blog using Twitter. Well that clears it up.
We will now Tweet whenever a new article is posted on the blog.
What?
Let me explain. Twitter, is a service that allows you to send short messages to people that follow you. Like status updates on Facebook. You can receive Twitter updates on your cell phone via SMS messages, on an iPhone app or on your computer using the web. If you are already into Twitter you can follow us at "downtownelgin". If you want to see what it is all about go to Twitter and sign up.
We will be tweeting about events and breaking news in addition to new blog posts.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - August 15, 2008

Top 10 List

1 - Harvest Market

2 - Elgin Pub Crawl

3 - Boriqua Fest

4 - Theater & Art

5 - Sidewalk Sales

6 - Chicago Bandits

7 - Library Card Sign-Up

8 - DNA Gala

9 - Brown Bag

10 - Comedy

Click to view details

Click here to have the Top 10 List delivered to you every week. All those who sign up in August will be placed in a drawing to win a $10 gift card from Ravenheart Coffee.

Bike Clinic at Harvest Market

A bike clinic was held at Harvest Market in conjunction with Bike-to-Work Week in Elgin.

Stephan Pickett from the Bicycle Garage in East Dundee explains the basics of maintaining your bike.

About 15 people stopped by to learn more about taking care of their bikes. Stephan pointed out that a bike is a machine, not a toy, treat it as such. As more and more people are using their bikes as an alternate form of transportation, the care and feeding of your machine takes on new meaning.

A great weekend for Elgin

Elgin, you rock.

Last weekend’s Fox Fire Fest was a prime example of our city’s awesome potential.

The jam-packed line up of music, food, art, fun and fireworks in Festival Park brought an estimated 22,000 people into the downtown area over the course of the three-day event.

I, for one, was giddy on Saturday night looking over the sea of 10,000-plus people jamming to Blues Traveler. So giddy, in fact, that my claustrophobic tendencies weren’t even kicking in. And the streets and bars of downtown were still jamming long after the concert ended.

I saw the future of Downtown Elgin that night, and it was so cool.

I ran into quite a few fellow Elginites over the weekend, and the comment I kept hearing again and again was “Wow, I can’t believe this is Elgin.” Some people might take this is a slam. But I – the eternal optimist – took this as a great compliment. People are recognizing that things are changing, and they are excited and encouraged by what lies ahead.

On behalf of the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association, I’d just like to say a big thanks to all who volunteered at and attended Fox Fire Fest, and a special thanks to those of you who brought friends and family along to experience Elgin.

And speaking of thanks, I also have to say a huge thanks to all those involved with the Elgin Cycling Classic in Lord’s Park on Sunday, August 3.

The committee’s decision to move the bike race out of downtown and into Lord’s Park in lieu of Fox Fire Fest and construction traffic turned out to be a great one. More than 200 cyclists from all over Northern Illinois and beyond competed in the race for more than $12,000 in cash prizes.

Cyclists and spectators alike enjoyed the course, and the air-conditioned Lord’s Park Pavilion was a welcome change from holding registration in a stuffy parking garage in previous years.

I have to admit that I was surprised at how exciting a criterium-style bike race can be, and it has nothing to do with bike shorts. Okay, maybe it has a little to do with bike shorts. But seriously, I can now call myself a cycling fan. And if I didn’t look ridiculous in the helmet, I would even take up the sport.

The Elgin Cycling Classic would not have been possible without the help and support of the residents in the Lord’s Park neighborhood and the congregation of El Mesias United Methodist Church. Thank you for being so accommodating about the closed streets and the detours.

Though I am always proud to call Elgin home, I was bursting with pride last weekend with all the exciting things happening here. And there is so much more to come.

Grab your shades, people. Our city’s future is looking really bright.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - August 6, 2008

1 - Bike-To-Work Week

2 - Harvest Market

3 - Chicago Bandits

4 - Tech Seminar

5 - Variety Pack

6 - Elgin Pub Crawl

7 - Boriqua Fest

8 - Theater & Art

9 - Book Drive

10 - Volunteer

Click to view details

Click here to have the Top 10 List delivered to you every week. All those who sign up in August will be placed in a drawing to win a $10 gift card from Ravenheart Coffee.

Elgin Cycling Classic 2008

I got to enjoy Sunday morning in the Lords Park neighborhood volunteering as a corner marshal. It was a beautiful day for bike racing through the hills and turns of the tree lined streets.

UPDATE: Newspaper links
Frenzied finish in Elgin Cycling Classic - The Courier News
Photo Gallery - The Courier News
Wisconsin man wins Elgin Cycling Classic - Daily Herald

The Master Men 40/50 race is about to start.

The Master Men's race in progress.

Councilman John Steffen in the center during the Cat 5 race.

Bob Mihelich of Elgin is cooling off after his first bike race. Fans, Erin and Reed found a shady spot to cheer him on.

Sgt. Glenn Theriault was busy checking on the corner marshals and keeping us supplied with water while supervising the route.

Three of the Elgin Cycling Classic committee members, John Steffen, Betsy Couture and Darlene Hulin take time for a photo op.

The race is possible because of the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors:
Sherman Health
The City of Elgin
Cla-Val
Fox Valley Endodontic Specialists, Dr. Cindy Rauschenberger
TranSystems
YWCA
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin

"Elginpalooza" aka FoxFireFest

 

Mayor Ed Schock and council members Figueroa, Kaptain, Powers and Steffen opened up FoxFireFest and introduced the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO). Maestro Hanson adapted to the urban environment of Festival Park by selecting western themed music and adding a harmonica which blended perfectly with the occasional whisles and rumbling of the nearby trains. The performance included the theme from the TV show The Wild Wild West and the William Tell Overture. I was heading back to my seat during the overture and had the urge to gallop, but resisted. 

Spotted in the crowd was former ESO Executive Director, Michael Pastreich and new U46 Superintendent, Dr. Jose Torres. OK, I'll stop now, I don't want to scoop Betty Brown.

It was a beautiful evening to share with friends and create a Ravina feel. Next year, candelabras. With 12 food vendors plus beer, wine and Mojitos a good time was had by all. Those arriving early were entertained by the talented performers of Elgin OPERA.

This photo can't do the post concert fireworks justice, but gives you the sense of how up close and personal they were. Head over to the Lovin Elgin blog for video and more commentary.

It's not too late to enjoy it yourself. Saturday features Starship and Blues Traveler with more fireworks and Sister Hazel will perform on Sunday. There is much more, just click here for the details FoxFireFest. Don't forget FoxFireFest is FREE!

FoxFireFest - August 1 - 3, 2008

Watch the video here!

FoxFireFest, as the name implies, is an event focused around the glow of fire on the water, including a mystical night-time fire and light show on the river, accompanied by unique theatre, art, dance and musical performers.
August 1 - 3, 2008
FREE - More info here>
Friday 5 pm to 10 pm
Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm
Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm

Festival Park
136 South Grove Ave
Downtown Elgin

Free parking
or ride your bike and use the free bike corral.  

Entertainment
Friday
6:00 pm Elgin O.P.E.R.A.
7:30 pm Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO)
9:30 pm Fireworks

Saturday
12 - 4 pm Childrens Activities
4 - 8 pm Teen Activities
6:00 pm Starship
8:00 pm Blues Traveler
10:30 pm Fireworks

Sunday
12 - 4 pm Childrens Activities
3:30 pm Elevation
5:30 pm Sister Hazel

AAUW Art Showcase
Saturday 12 - 6 pm
Sunday 12 - 5 pm

Elgin Cycling Classic
Sunday, 8 am - 5 pm in the Lords Park neighborhood

Food Vendors
Chinese Wok, (840 Summit Street, Elgin) -Combo Fried Rice, Egg Roll, Beef Teriyaki and Crab Rangoon
Dairy Queen, (1022 S. McLean Blvd, Elgin) - Blizzards, Ice Cream Bars, Lemon Chill Cups, Chocolate Bananas
Maui Wowi, (2310 Fairfax Rd., Elgin)- Fresh Fruit Smoothies, Hawaiian Coffee Smoothie
Jethro's, (9911 N. Clark, Richmond, IL)- Funnel Cakes, Curly Chips w/Cheese, Deep Fried Oreos & Twinkies
White Cottage Pizza, (220 S. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL)- Sausage Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Bread Sticks w/ Garlic Cheese
Casa Lara (previously Jalapeno's), ( 7 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin)- Tacos, Quesadillas, Flautas
JJ's Chicken & Fish, (79 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin)-Chicken Wings, Ribs, Pulled Pork Sandwich
Gasthaus Zur Linde, (15 N Grove, Elgin)- Bratwurst, Thuringer, Corn on the Cob
Big Sammy's Hot Dogs, ( 2490 Bushwood Drive, Elgin)- Hot Dogs, Bag of Chips
Elgin Public House (219 E. Chicago St., Elgin)- Hamburger/Cheesburger, Veggie Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Lucky's Bar and Grill, (335 N. McLean Blvd., S. Elgin)-Nachos Grande, Italian Beef Sandwich, Italian Sausage Sandwich
Victors Grill, (6235 N. Keystone, Chicago) -Shish-k-bob, Gyros, Polish Sausage
Sloppy Joe's, (210 Penny Ave, Unit D, Dundee, IL)- Sloppy Joe's, Chocolate Chip Cookies
JC's Barbecue, (116 Penny Ave., East Dundee, IL) - BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich, ½ Smoked BBQ Chicken, Pupusas

FoxFireFest incorporates the best elements of the previous Fine Arts Fest, but has expanded to showcase the wide variety of cultural amenities and performing arts groups centered in the Elgin area, with two stages offering non-stop entertainment. The food and beverage area will also feature an eclectic mix for all ages, including a beer garden.

Elgin Community Network (ECN) Unveils Website

The Elgin Community Network (ECN) has a website at www.elgin-ecn.org
The site was created by Sensory Productions, a local firm.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 11, 2008

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 11, 2008

1 - Tutor Training
2 - "Eroica"
3 - Museum Events
4 - Saving the Earth
5 - Opportunities
6 - Harvest Market
7 - July Sale
8 - HAIR
9 - Sell Your Art
10 - Networking Event
Click to view details.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 4, 2008

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - July 4, 2008

1 - 4th of July Parade
2 - 4th of July Fireworks
3 - "Eroica"
4 - Harvest Market
5 - Elgin Opera
6 - Hemmens Tickets
7 - Library Events
8 - Open Mike Night
9 - Opportunities
10 - Construction
Click to view details.

Elgin Fourth of July Parade

The parade is over but you can read about it, watch a video and see last years photos below.

UPDATE

City of Elgin video

Courier News video

Courier News article

Daily Hearld article

Flickr photos from 2007

2007 vs. 2008 Stats for DNA Website

This is great!!

Just think what the summer months probably had for hits with all of the events going on in Downtown Elgin!

Slow Global Warming Heads to the Market

This coming week Slow Global Warming-Elgin group will be joining the Harvest Market on Thursday, July 3rd, 10am – 2pm, giving away CFL light bulbs from Com Ed and other freebies. This group formed two years ago as a small group of Elginites, which met after seeing Al Gore’s "An Inconvenient Truth". They voiced their concerns about the drastic climate change shifts happening everywhere in the world, including here in the Fox Valley. While the problem seemed overwhelming- they realized that change could be made - one person at a time. That core group has now expanded to over 100 & partnered with the City of Elgin, Elgin Community Network, Gail Borden Library & the Grand Victoria Foundation over the past year on various events. Their motto is THINK GLOBAL - ACT LOCAL. Many helpful tips are found in their "Elgin Greensheet" which has been requested as a model for other communities. Monthly happenings can be viewed on their website at www.slowglobalwarming-elgin.com.

Highlighted Harvest Market Vendor of the Week: Breadsmith
Guy Grenfeld bought Breadsmith in Geneva two years ago. The past owners had already been going to farmer’s markets so Guy kept the tradition going to 6 markets a week. His staff brings muffins, scones, honey white breads, wheat breads, sweet breads, Italian breads, and more to the hungry passer bys and employees of Downtown Elgin. They even do custom breads around the holidays like turkey shaped bread for Thanksgiving and Christmas tree shaped bread around Christmas. They even do custom orders. When asked his favorite kind of bread, Guy answered the Maple Walnut and the English muffins. Guy’s background was a pastry chef, having been trained & receiving his degree at Elgin Community College and before that grew up in Tel Aviv, Israel. When asked if he will open a Breadsmith in Downtown Elgin, Guy just smiled his easy smile and said he “Doesn’t know yet”. So for now take advantage of his local location at the Elgin Harvest Market.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is held every Thursday, now through September 25, featuring everything from fruits, vegetables, bunch flowers, delicious jams, healthy gourmet dog treats, bread, pies, muffins and scones, to free range meats and eggs, cheese, pickles, and olive oil all displayed in an open-air market like venue. Later in the summer be prepared for spices, seafood, Asian produce, more plants and that market favorite Mirai corn! The market is held at the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of E. Highland and Douglas Avenue, near the Post office and City Hall, and is open 10am - 6pm.

The public is invited to enjoy a great season right in the heart of our community. All merchants interested in an application for the 2008 season or to be there on a weekly basis can call the Downtown Neighborhood Association at 847.488.1456, go to www.downtownelgin.org, or stop by the office on the first floor of the Elgin Tower Building, at 2 Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin.

Out to Lunch - Villa Verone

Monday, June 30, 12 Noon
Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Avenue

Out to Lunch with an Italian buffet(Caprese and Penne Primavera). The dessert is Lemon Ice and non-alcoholic beverages are included, all for the cost of $8.50, DNA board member Karin Jones is the guest speaker. To RSVP call 847.488.1456 or e-mail jbenson@elginil.org

Fourth of July Parade and Concert

Friday, July 4th at 9 am
Starting at the corner of Douglas and Slade and ending at Douglas and Highland. Click here for a map.

We're celebrating the "Red, White and BLUES" Abraham Lincoln style for this year's 4th of July Parade through Downtown Elgin.

The parade is quickly becoming one of the best in the 'burbs! More than 15,000 spectators come out to see the variety of entertainment and decorated floats and to show their community pride!

The parade will feature our Grand Marshall, Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, plus a special tribute to our veterans, and much more.

Honest Abe's Rockin' Blues Concert
Elgin's July 4th celebration doesn't end when the last float passes the finish line - it's just getting started! Join us for a free, family-friendly Blues concert in the Civic Center Parking Lot featuring The Blooze Brothers, AC Rock and the Midway Ramblers Cajun Band from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Downtown Elgin will be open for business
Plan to get a bite to eat and check out some of our new shops.

Ravenheart Coffee - Try a Boilermaker
176 E. Chicago St.

Elgin Public House - Burgers Mmmm
219 E. Chicago St.

Quizno's Subs - Toasty
59 Douglas Ave.

Villa Verone - That's Italian
13 Douglas Ave.

Al's Cafe & Creamery - Chocolate Malt
43 DuPage Ct.

El Faro - Burrito
9 N. State St.

Camaroncito Loco - Seafood
21 N. State St.

Spanky's Gyros - Cheeseburger Cheeseburger
51 Clock Tower Plaza

Razor's Edge - Social Center
55 Douglas Ave.

Lily Falls Gift Boutique - Perfect Petzzz
10 Douglas Ave.

Use the interactive map to plan your day.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - June 27 - July 6, 2008

Downtown Elgin Top 10 List - June 27 - July 6, 2008

1 - Free Ice Cream
2 - Harvest Market
3 - Summer Workshop
4 - Out to Lunch
5 - WANTED: Artists
6 - Opportunities
7 - Yoga Discounts
8 - "Eroica"
9 - 4th of July Events
10 - Construction
Click to view details.