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

Here's the low-down on one "mother" of a weekend of live music and entertainment in Downtown Elgin:

Thursday, May 5

$5 Cinco de Mayo Specials (Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise)
La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Ave.
847.468.1416

Cinco De Mayo $5 Margarita Specials
La Quebrada
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Cinco De Mayo Celebration with Patron Citronge Mojitos for $5.50
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Mayor’s Preservation Awards
Professional Building
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
6PM

Elgin Person(s) of the Week: Community Carnival Volunteers
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
6PM

Girls Nite Out - Cinco De Mayo
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
6PM

Friday, May 6

Espolon Tequila Tasting
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
5PM
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Hot & Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
9PM

Saturday, May 7

ACS Walk ‘n Roll
Festival Park
WalkRoll.org
Registration - 8AM
Start Time - 9AM

Elgin’s Green Expo
The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
ECCO-FoxValley.net
9AM-4PM

Elgin Firefighter Memorial
Elgin Fire Barn #5 Museum
533 St. Charles Street
11AM

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

Benefit for Japan with The Reverends & Blue Tulip Wranglers
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
1PM-4PM

Jen St. Stjarna
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Sunday, May 8

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
2PM

Irish Session
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com
3PM

Celebrate Mom's Special Day in Downtown Elgin

Mother's Day Brunch
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com

Price is $18.95 per adult, $7.95 per child (ages 6-10), children under 6 free. Free flowers for all moms! Reservations available from 10AM to 1:30PM. (EPH's regular menu will be available after 1:30PM.)

MENU:

Drinks
Orange, Pineapple, or Cranberry Juice, Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar for $4.50 or unlimited for $10

Buffet
Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna and Asparagus Carpaccio, Smoked Salmon Lox and Pastries, Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese, Vegetable Strata, Stuffed Pablano Peppers with Cranberry and Pecan, Italian Stuffed Red Pepper with Chicken and Provolone, Butternut Squash Bisque, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Hashbrowns, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Bacon & Sausage, Corned Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, Irish Bangers, Lemon Chicken, Margarita Tilapia, Macaroni & Cheese, Risotto, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetable Medley

Featured Stations
Ham, Turkey, and Pork Carving Station, Omelet and Scramble Station, Salad Station

Sweets
Greg's Famous Bread Pudding, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Crisp, Brownie with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce, Black Cherry Crepes, French Toast


Mother's Day Buffet
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsPub.com

Make your reservations today for Douglas Street Sports Pub's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 8 beginning at 10AM.

DSSP's Buffet offers dozens of scrumptious homemade breakfast and lunch selections, sides, desserts and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom!

Price is $12.00 per person, $6.00 for children.


Mother's Day at Al's Cafe
Al's Cafe & Creamery
43 DuPage Court
847.742.1180
AlsCafe.com

Join Al's Cafe & Creamery for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8 from 11AM-8PM. Chef Tony has prepared a special menu for the day including (see menu for individual prices):

Appetizers
Hot Artichoke & Spinach with Bleu Cheese Dip, Crab Cakes, White Bean Bruschetta, Scallop Ravigotte and Garlic Roasted Shrimp

Entrees
Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Roasted Salmon Mediterranean, Black Angus Sirloin Steak, Black Angus Steak & Shrimp, Danish Bleu Steak, Schwartzwalder Schweinder Schnitzel, Zigeuner Schnitzel, Idaho Spring Trout, Fetuccini Rose, Shrimp Arrabiata, Finnish Boneless Pork Chop

Rib Special
The Classic, The Texas Jack Ribs, The Carnival, The Thai, The Vienna

All Mothers receive a free Mother's Day Gift! Reservations are recommended.


Mother's Day Thai Buffet
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant
23 S. Grove Ave
847.531.8755
ToomToomThai.net

Lunch 12–2:30PM
Dinner 4:30-9PM

$29.95 per person

Buffet menu features Veggie Egg Rolls, Chicken Pot Stickers, Garden Salad, Thai Chicken Wings, Tofu Pad Thai, Beef Pad Si Ew, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Chicken Panang, Shrimp Curry, Thai Fried Rice and Purple Rice with Mango, plus Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Ice Water or B.Y.O.B.

And Chef Toom is also pleased to announce that Toom Toom Thai Restaurant will now be serving Sushi! Stop in for Mother's Day and be one of the first on your block to try Toom Toom Thai's new Sushi as part of their Mother's Day Buffet.

By reservation only. RSVP before Saturday, May 7 at 6PM.


Mother's Day at Villa Verone
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

Dinner served 3-9PM. Call for reservations and specifics.


Mother's Day Martini - Wild Sensation Martini Special
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

In honor of Mothers everywhere, Martini Room has created a truly unique cocktail: The Wild Sensation Martini!

The Wild Sensation Martini is made with Citrus Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, white grapefruit juice and served with a Wild Hibiscus edible flower! On Sunday, May 8, the Wild Sensation Martini will be specially priced for $6. Invite your Mother to enjoy this beautiful martini in the warm and comfortable atmosphere of Martini Room!

Why not make it a brunch-and-a-show Mother's Day? Take mom to brunch and then head out to Kimball Street Theater at Elgin Academy (Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue) for Sunday's 2PM matinee performance of Elgin Theatre Company's The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for youths/seniors. Purchase your tickets today at (847)741-0532 or visit Elgin-Theatre.org.

Also, be sure to stop by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's booth at Elgin's Green Expo on Saturday, May 7 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way from 9AM-4PM. We will be promoting the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market and giving out free Marigolds to all the moms!

And nothing says I LOVE YOU to that special mom on Mother's Day quite like jewelry. Why not make her day with a gift of beautiful jewelry from one of downtown Elgin's fine jewelers? Stop by Shockey Jewelers at 18 Douglas Avenue or Elgin Jewelers at 11 N. State Street to choose from a wide variety of gold jewelry, diamonds, estate pieces and much more!

Can't decide on what to buy for that special mom in your life? Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates also make great gifts and are accepted at over 60 downtown Elgin businesses and are available in denominations of $5 and $10. Stop into the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue weekdays 9:00AM-5:30PM to purchase your GC's!

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - Week of April 27-May 1

Thursday, April 28

Elgin Person(s) of the Week - NENA
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This week's Elgin Person(s) of the Week are the good people of the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA). Singing, dancing, great food, great friends and great fun! It all starts at 6PM!

Monty Python Movie Night
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Stop into EPH at 8PM for a special screening of the classic flick Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. Also be sure to enjoy a goblet of Monty Python Holy Ale!


Friday, April 29

Super Office Party
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Bring the office out for DSSP's free monthly dinner buffet starting at 5PM.

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.


Saturday, April 30

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.

The Connor Bernhard Standards Group
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

Join The Connor Bernhard Standards Band playing all your favorite jazz licks in VV's all new Saturday Night Live Jazz series. Starts at 8PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 8PM!

B4 & After - Beatles Tribute Band
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Come out to DSSP for a special Saturday night performance by renowned Beatles tribute band, B4 & After. No cover!

Street Corner Blue
Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

A traditional R&B band exploring the roots from Bourbon to Beal Street, Motown to Muscle Shoals. They delight in exploring each divergent thread & weaving it into the unique sound that is Street Corner Blue! Starts at 9PM.


Sunday, May 1

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 1PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 3:30PM.

And don't forget to take advantage of our ESO & DNA Triple Play promotion this week. Purchase tickets to Saturday or Sunday's performance of ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive three great promotional offers:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of four tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (with purchase of $50 or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) One of 3 Specially-Priced Dine-In Specials at Downtown Restaurants & Bars including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone (dine-in only, must show ESO ticket stub at time of purchase, valid only on April 30 or May 1)

For more information visit http://www.downtownelgin.com/ or http://www.elginsymphony.com/

More Participating Establishments Added to ESO & DNA Triple Play Promo

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only) including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone!

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

Help Recognize a "Grand" Elgin Teacher

In conjunction with the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade, which steps off Monday, July 4 at 9AM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is asking your assistance to help us in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elgin community by nominating them to be one of our 2011 Parade Grand Marshals!

We are asking parents, local PTO members, school administrators or students to write a brief essay about why they feel their teacher is “grand” in the classroom and therefore deserves to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the 2011 Fourth of July Parade.

The competition is open to any teacher (K-12) currently working in an Elgin public or private school. Additional guidelines and restrictions are outlined in the nomination packet.

To download the nomination packet, click here!

Nomination packets will also be mailed out to all Elgin public and private schools.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will accept nominations through Monday, May 23.

Our parade committee will then select three winners from all of the nominations to serve as Parade Grand Marshals and will ride in a special classic car at the front of the parade. They will also each receive an official City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade t-shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Those teachers selected must be available the morning of the parade from approximately 8AM until 12PM.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Turn a Triple Play with Elgin Symphony Orchestra and DNA!

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only)

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

RSVP Today for DNA's April Out to Lunch

The Downtown Neighborhood Association's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, April 25 at La Quebrada Restaurant at 50 N. Spring Street. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the program runs Noon-1:15PM.

Our featured guest speaker for April will be YWCA Elgin's Event Coordinator Deirdre White.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch buffet featuring Beef Fajitas, Specially Prepared Chicken and Fish, Spanish Rice and Beans, Tossed Salad, Seasonal Fruit, Salsa and Chips, and your choice of Soft Drinks or Coffee.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847.488.1456, by e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, April 22.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson.

Live Music and Entertainment Scene - April 14-17

Come get a taste of all the great nightlife and live entertainment in store for you this weekend in downtown Elgin:

La Puesta Del Sol/The Eclipse Room
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416
It's finally here!

On Saturday, April 16, La Puesta celebrates the Grand Opening of The Eclipse Room, an intimate room for the best live entertainment in downtown Elgin. Legendary caribbean rock band Mr. Myers will be on hand to kick things off in style! $15 advanced tickets, $20 at the door. Call (847) 468-1416 to reserve your tickets NOW!

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This Thursday, April 14 is Elgin Person of the Week time again! This week your celebrity bartender is James Myers! The EPOW fun starts at 6PM. Also crooner Jeorge Holmes returns to VV on Sunday, April 17 at 5PM. Come hear all your classic faves by Sinatra, Elvis, Pavarotti and more! Reservations are highly recommended! And be sure to check out VV's new weekly specials: Mondays - free dessert with purchase of 2 entrees; Tuesdays - $20 bottle of house wine with purchase of 2 entrees; Wednesdays - get your 2nd glass of house wine for only a PENNY with any entree purchase.

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

Sample beers from Around the World, including Traquair, Red Stripe, and Monty Python, at EPH's Free Beer Tasting on Friday, April 15 from 7-9PM. On Saturday, April 16 come for the Tequila and Little Bites food pairing and stay for the rockin' musical stylings of Storm Crow at 9PM. Don't forget Half-Price Burger Night on Monday evenings and Trivia Night every Wednesday at 7PM.

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Let's face it, nobody enjoys paying taxes. To help you get through this most dreadful of days, Martini Room is offering their own special tax break: 20% off drinks on Thursday, April 14. For the calorie conscious, be sure to check out Martini Room's new SKINNY DRINKS, made with their own, sugar-free simple syrup, freshly made sweet and sour, and muddled with fresh fruits and herbs.

Red Bar Winery and Bistro
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659
http://www.redbarwinery.com/

On Thursday, April 14 beginning at 9PM enjoy Red Bar's Thursday Night Salsa with all the hottest salsa music and dancing to set your night on fire. Fridays are now Plush Fridays at Red Bar with the best Hip-Hop, House, R&B and Reggae plus ladies get in free before 11PM.

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Enjoy blazing hot Blackhawks & Bulls playoff action with DSSP and 35 cent wings during all playoff games. Don't forget Karaoke Wednesdays, U-Call It Thursdays and Fantastic Fridays including DSSP's signature Friday Fish Fry starting at 4PM every Friday for only $8.

Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Come party like a rockstar this Thursday, April 14 as DJ Seth K is mixing all your favorite Old School, Dance and Top 40 every Thirsty Thursday featuring great food and drink specials.

Elgin OPERA
Kimball Street Theatre Rider Center at Elgin Academy
350 Park Street
847.695.5014
http://www.elginopera.org/

The Final Round of Elgin OPERA's 5th Annual Vocal Competition will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 1:30PM. The competition attracted singers from the Fox Valley area, the Chicagoland area and across the midwest. This event is open to the public. Entrance fee at the door is $10.

Fourth of July Parade Applications Now Available

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is now accepting applications for the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at 9am at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenues on Monday, July 4.

Parade and sponsor pplications are now available through the DNA’s website at www.DowntownElgin.com or at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Completed participant and/or sponsor applications along with any applicable fees must be submitted to the DNA by 5pm on Friday, May 27 to secure a spot in this year's parade.

Every year the DNA and the City of Elgin try to make the parade more entertaining and visually appealing, so if you plan to participate, please make every effort to submit a high quality entry! The parade entry fee is $100 for businesses and political groups. There is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is "Toys on Parade". Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by decorating floats or parade vehicles in the finest toy-themed regalia or dressing up in toy-inspired costumes.

In addition to the regular parade float judging, which includes a first, second and third place prize in the Open, Business and Childrens categories, a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

This year's Fourth of July Parade will also include a "People's Choice" award, voted on by the general public for the entire week following the parade, for the parade unit that best exemplifies the "Toys on Parade" theme. Photos of every parade unit and the online voting form will be available on the DNA's website at www.downtownelgin.com beginning July 6 and "People's Choice" award voting concludes Monday, July 11.

To select our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal, this year we are inviting local students, classrooms and schools to nominate a deserving teacher as our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal. Nomination forms will be sent to all public and private Elgin schools and will also be available on the DNA website beginning Wednesday, April 20. The parade committee will choose three candidates from all of the nominations to serve as Grand Marshals.

Groups, organizations or businesses can also help to present the parade for our community while gaining valuable promotion and premiere exposure by becoming a parade sponsor. Sponsors are included on all marketing and promotions prior to the parade and given special recognition on parade day, depending on their level of investment. Parade sponsors may also be parade participants, and must complete both the parade application and the sponsor commitment form - available now at the DNA's website. Sponsorship is available at levels of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more. Contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Over 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 110 units, 25 floats, 150 different parade vehicles, 2,600 participants and took over 50 volunteers to coordinate. As such the Parade Committee is also seeking additional volunteers to work this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 6am to 12pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and each receives a free parade t-shirt. Please contact Suzan Shipyor at the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to learn more about parade volunteer opportunities.

2011 Downtown Madness Champion Crowned

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin closes out Downtown Madness, its successful month-long restaurant and bar social media promotion, by crowning its first ever Downtown Madness Champion: Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork.

After a whirlwind 5 weeks of voting excitement that saw 16 sweet dishes and drinks from downtown Elgin establishments square off in a March Madness-style bracket tournament and pared down to the eventual top two by the voting public, Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeated Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 182 votes in a back-and-forth Final Round of voting from March 30-April 5.

To celebrate, the DNA invites the public to join us at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street, on Thursday, April 7 from 5-7PM for our first ever Downtown Madness Happy Hour and Championship Celebration.

Elgin Public House will be offering their Madness MVP, the Pulled Pork Plus PLUS (Pulled Pork sandwich with cheddar cheese, jalapenos, bacon & cole slaw) as a special-of-the-day, as well as, Irish themed drinks such as St. Peter's English Ale, Cream Stout & IPA for $7, Killians, Smithwicks and Harp for $4, Guinness draft for $5 and Jameson & Tullamore Dew w/mixers for $5.

The evening will culminate with the presentation of the 2011 Downtown Madness Trophy, courtesy of Andersen's Trophies, 27 N. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin.

The DNA also congratulates Alice Moring of Elgin, who went a perfect 15-for-15 in her predictions in the Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge. For her efforts, she will receive $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates for picking the most correct "winners" based on the week-to-week voting throughout Downtown Madness.

The DNA would like to thank all of the great downtown establishments who participated:

Al’s Café & Creamery, 43 DuPage Court, 847-742-1180
Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, 11 Douglas Avenue, 847-695-2644
Buckingham’s Steakhouse at Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, 847-468-7000
Domani Café, 107 E. Highland Avenue, 847-695-8851
Douglas Street Sports Pub, 231 Douglas Avenue, 847-695-5659
Gasthaus Zur Linde, 15 N. Grove Avenue, 847-695-8828
La Puesta Del Sol, 165 E. Highland Avenue, 847-468-1416
La Quebrada, 50 N. Spring Street, 847-622-7970
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street, 847-741-0349
PRIME BurgerHouse at Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, 847-531-PRIME
Ravenheart Coffee, 176 E. Chicago Street, 847-841-8451
Red Bar Winery, 74 S. Grove Avenue, 847-695-1659
Spanky’s Gyros, 51 Clock Tower Plaza, 847-841-8451
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant, 23 S. Grove Avenue, 847-531-8755 Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Avenue, 847-742-0263

Thanks to Jeff Myers and Jeff Turner from the Chef Jeff & Jeff Show on WRMN-AM 1410 and special thanks to Brian Fletcher, Brian Ilc and Daily Herald Media Group for the wonderful promotional consideration throughout the tournament.

Most of all, thanks to everyone of you who participated in Downtown Madness!

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Seeking Sponsors

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin recently announced that in 2011 the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers will be moving to the old Gail Borden Library parking lot on the S.W. corner of Kimball St. & N. Grove Avenue.

The Harvest Market is seeking sponsors for our 2011 Harvest Market season. Sponsor benefits include choice of 4 dates at the market to promote your organization with table, tent and chairs provided. We also have exclusive First Thursday sponsor opportunities as well.

If your business or organization is interested in becoming a Community or First Thursday Sponsor for the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market season, please download and complete sponsor forms and send to:

Jennifer Benson
Harvest Market Manager
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

Click to download the Community Sponsorship Form

Click to download the First Thursday Sponsorship Form

For questions or additional information about the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, call Jennifer at 847.488.1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 5, 11:30AM

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. With less than 30 minutes to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 11:30AM CDT on Monday, April 5):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 66

These two deserving candidates need your help on this Election Day! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru TODAY at NOON.

Buzzer beater time!

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 5, 10AM

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We've got an old-fashioned barn burner in the Championship Game of Downtown Madness! Things could not be any tighter! With less than 2 hours to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 10AM CDT on Monday, April 5):

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork by 9

These two deserving candidates need your help on this Election Day! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru TODAY at NOON.

We'll have one more Championship Edition of Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog at 11:30AM!

Get your popcorn ready!

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 4

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. One thing we've learned about Downtown Madness: it's never over until it's over...and it's far from over yet! With less than 24 hours to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 12PM CDT on Monday, April 4):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 11

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 3

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. In 48 hours, the final round of voting will be complete and we will crown our 2011 Downtown Madness Champion. Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Sunday, April 3):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 58

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 2

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. Just because March has moved on, there's no April-fooling around in Downtown Madness! It's One Shining Moment time for one of these two power "HOUSES". Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Saturday, April 2):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 49

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 1

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. Just because March has moved on, there's no April-fooling around in Downtown Madness! It's One Shining Moment time for one of these two power "HOUSES". Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Friday, April 1):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 34

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members From March 2011

The DNA would like to welcome our new and renewing members from March 2011:

Burritt Building, LLC
25 S. Grove Avenue
847.608.8574

D. Hudson Productions
164 Division Street, Suite 305-306
847.845.6333

Judson University
1151 N. State Street
847.628.2500

Keystone Realty
23 S. Spring Street
847.931.1818

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Transystems Corp.
1051 Perimeter Drive
Schaumburg
847.605.9600

Ramona Aguina

Hector & Maria Alvarez

Laura Dion-Jones Casey

Michelle Clute

Joe David Dominguez

Titus Dominguez

Juan Figueroa

Leonard & Karen Haseman

David & Tonya Hudson

George Irizarry

Karin Jones

Richard Kozal & Heather Ronnow

Jason Pawlowski

Rebecca Sanchez

Bruce & Suzan Shipyor

Michael & Jennifer Wong

Roy Vombrack & Jennifer Silk

Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin in 2011 by becoming a DNA Community Family/Individual Member. For a $30 annual fee, members receive:

• 2 VIP seats for Elgin's July 4th Parade
• 2 guest passes to The Centre of Elgin
• Member price for DNA events/activities
• Elgin Tower Building puzzle
• Exclusive members-only promotions

You can even sign-up and pay for your membership online via our Secure Online Payment Processing page.

For more information about DNA Membership and for other ways to get involved in your downtown, call (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Scholarships Available to DNA Members

This year the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin unveiled the DNA Scholarship Program, which provides assistance to DNA members to attend local educational workshops and conferences on topics related to entrepreneurship and small business development. Scholarships will be made available for those conferences and workshops throughout the year that the DNA chooses based on their offering of topics related to entrepreneurship and small business development. These scholarships cover the advertised cost of the workshop or conference; travel and other associated costs are not included. Our first DNA Scholarship offering of 2011 is for the following event: Becoming Entrepreneurs: Conference for Women Presented by YWCA and Elgin Community College Thursday, April 14, 8:30AM-4:00PM ECC University and Business Center 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin IL 60123 Eligibility Requirements: This scholarship is available to female owners or employees of current DNA-member businesses located in downtown or female DNA members who are interested in opening a business in downtown in the next 2 years. A maximum of (2) scholarships will be awarded for this conference. Those selected to receive a DNA scholarship are expected to write a brief summary of what they learned from the experience to share with the community via the DNA’s various communication vehicles. This summary is due one week following the workshop or conference. The scholarship application and event flyer are available here >> Please forward completed scholarship applications to Tonya Hudson, DNA Executive Director, by FAX at (847) 488-1449 or e-mail thudson@downtownelgin.com by April 6. Please feel free to contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 with any questions about this event or the DNA Scholarship Program.

Downtown Madness FINAL ROUND Voting Now Open

Welcome back to Downtown Madness – the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s exciting new interactive promotion for the entire month of March and first week of April pitting downtown Elgin's restaurants and bars in a head-to-head bracket tournament, similar to the NCAA’s March Madness, where the public’s votes determine the winners.

The voting action has been fierce throughout the first two rounds of competition and our third round voting totals topped the 500 mark! Our "fine four" have been pared to the last two teams standing. Here are the Final Results from the Third Round of Downtown Madness:

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeats Al's Cafe's Burns Malt by 63

- Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng defeats Villa Verone's Asparagi by 96

We now unveil the last two teams standing in our winner-take-all FINAL ROUND of Downtown Madness:

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork vs. Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng

Final Round voting in Downtown Madness is now open and concludes Tuesday, April 5 at Noon. Subscribers to the DNA’s Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 weekly e-blast will receive the link to the Final Round Voting Form in Wednesday’s edition of the DNN.

Voters can also visit DowntownElgin.com, "Like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownElgin or just CLICK HERE to access the Final Round Voting Form.

Voting is limited to one vote per e-mail address and you must vote for one of the two entries in the final match-up!

For an up-to-date scoring summary on all the match-ups to see how your "teams" are doing, visit Downtown Madness Score Central throughout the Final Round on the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Blog at DowntownElgin.blogspot.com.

We will announce the winning venue on Wednesday, April 6. At that time, the DNA will also announce the winner of our Downtown Madness Pick ‘Em Challenge, in which individuals attempt to predict the winners from the Opening Round thru the Championship Game according to the weekly voting.

For more information about Downtown Madness, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.