Friday, October 28, 2011

DNA Honored at Illinois Main Street Awards Dinner


GALESBURG, IL - On Wednesday, October 26, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin was honored with two Illinois Main Street awards for downtown revitalization from at the organization’s 2011 Awards Dinner at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, Illinois.

Executive Director Tonya Hudson and members of the DNA Board of Directors and Staff accepted the Lt. Governor’s Award for Downtown Revitalization in the Outstanding Organization Project category for the DNA’s Downtown Brainstorm: an interactive planning workshop about downtown Elgin addressing a different topic of relevance to the community.

Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski accepted the Lt. Governor’s Award for Downtown Revitalization in the Outstanding Promotion category for Downtown Madness – a social media promotion that pitted the signature drinks and dishes of downtown bars and eateries in a March Madness style bracket tournament where the public’s votes determined the winners of each match-up.

The Awards Dinner capped off three days of workshops, seminars and networking opportunities at the 2011 Illinois Main Street Conference in Galesburg, in which over 40 different Illinois Main Street communities from across the state participated.

As part of the conference, Hudson and Pawlowski also presented an educational workshop about social media strategy for Main Street organizations entitled “Social Media on Main Street”.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Halloween Day-Night Double Header in Downtown Elgin


Downtown Elgin is THE place to be this Halloween Weekend!

On Saturday, October 29 from 10AM-4PM, the DNA once again presents Elgin's Halloween Howl - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System & Ken Stepps State Farm - a family-friendly afternoon of frightfully fun festivities in downtown Elgin.

Schedule of Events:

10AM-1PM - Sherman Health's Halloween Family Fun Fair at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, featuring family-friendly activities and a kids costume contest

Noon-4PM - Trick or Treating at downtown Elgin businesses

1-3PM - Elgin Public Museum's Bone Hunt - a fun Halloween archeological dig on the grass in front of The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

1-3PM - Midwest Dance Collective Teaching the Thriller Dance - under the direction of Ellen Werksman MDC will be teaching kids the Michael Jackson Thriller Dance on the Nightmare on Chicago Street stage at Chicago & Douglas

1-4PM - Kids Costume Photo Booth at Ken Stepps' State Farm, 111 Douglas Avenue - get your kids photos taken in their Halloween finest

1-4PM - Psychosis Haunted House, 200 N. Spring Street, matinee, "kid-friendly" haunted house

2-3PM - Halloween Crafts & Music Activities in the basement of The Hemmens, presented by U-46

3:30PM - Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Spooktacular Concert at The Hemmens. Come in costume to hear some "boo"-tiful music. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids and available in person at the box office on the day of the concert or purchase tickets in advance at http://www.ElginSymphony.org

For a complete list of participating businesses in the Howl's Trick-or-Treating and a comprehensive schedule of Halloween weekend events in downtown Elgin, click here!

THEN...

NEWSFLASH! The Zombies have taken over and Elgin is the last line of defense! Join the Zombie Defense Initiative on from 6-11PM as the City of Elgin presents Nightmare on Chicago Street.

Chicago Street (between Douglas and Villa) will be closed for a Halloween music festival, with local bands, theater performances, a zombie walk, live burlesque show, a visit from Svengoolie and Victoria Price, granddaughter of legendary horror actor Vincent Price, a costume contest and specials from downtown businesses.

Admission is $7 at the gate with $5 discounted advanced tickets available at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue. Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult (age 21+).

6-7:30PM - Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute band)

8-9PM, 9:30-10:30PM - ARRA (classic rock tribute band)

9-9:30PM - Costume Contest with Svengoolie

9:30-11PM - Meet and Greet with Svengoolie

10:40-11PM - Burlesque Show by Dancewerks Dance Productions

For more information on the City of Elgin's Nightmare on Chicago Street event, visit http://www.NightmareonChicagoStreet.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dr. Torres to Speak at October Out to Lunch


The Downtown Neighborhood Association's final Out to Lunch of the 2011 season is Monday, October 24 at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street in downtown Elgin. October's special guest speaker is Dr. Jose Torres, Superintendent, School District U-46.

Guests will enjoy networking between 11:45AM-12PM. The lunch portion of the program begins at Noon followed by Dr. Torres' presentation about his Destination 2015 plan around 12:30PM.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will be treated to a delicious lunch buffet of some EPH favorites as well as a choice of soft drinks or water.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address to the DNA by phone at 847-488-1456, by e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org, or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, October 21.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, typically conducted on the fourth Monday of each month, are an effort to showcase a different downtown Elgin restaurant while engaging the public with guest speakers and topics relevant to the downtown community.

This year's Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Provena St. Joseph Hospital CEO Dr. Eugene McMahon, YWCA Elgin Special Events Coordinator Deirdre White, and Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

DNA Awards Gala Roaring '20s Trivia on WRMN-AM 1410


Think you know your 1920's Elgin trivia?

Beginning Monday, October 10 listen to WRMN-AM 1410 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:20AM throughout October and early November for your DNA Awards Gala Roaring '20s Trivia Question of the Day.

After the question is read, be the first person to e-mail the correct answer to us at DowntownElgin@gmail.com for your chance to win Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates and other prizes from trivia question sponsors. Winners will be announced at 5:20PM each day on WRMN and on DNA's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Click to listen to the WRMN radio commercial >>>

On Thursday, November 17, the Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to join us at the Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, as we celebrate 1920's Elgin along with those who are working to make downtown a swell place to live, work and enjoy today!

Cocktails at 6PM (cash bar) followed by Dinner & Awards at 7PM. Roarin' entertainment provided by Janus Theatre.

Tickets are $65 per person ($55 for DNA members), Sponsored Tables of 8 are $560 ($485 for DNA Members). 1920's-inspired evening apparel encouraged. Prizes awarded for the snazziest dressed Sheiks and Shebas.

Don't be a wet blanket! Get your glad rags on, jump on the trolley and RSVP by November 4 to (847) 488-1456 or RSVP and pay securely online at DowntownElgin.com

Other sponsorship packages and marketing opportunities are also available. Contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Special thanks to our 2011 Presenting Sponsors TranSystems and Grand Victoria Casino.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Harvest Market Concludes 2011 Season Thursday, September 29


The Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to join us this Thursday, September 29 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue, for our final Downtown Elgin Harvest Market of the 2011 season.

Here are some of the activities planned for this week at the market:

* Jamlady Book Signing - All Day - our very own Jamlady, Beverly Alfeld, will be selling and signing copies of her books: The Jamlady Cookbook, a resource cookbook for the canner, gardener, gourmet chef, and health-conscious person; and Pickles to Relish, an encyclopedic cookbook with an ethnobotanical approach to cooking, canning, and living.
* City of Elgin Booth – The Centre of Elgin - information about their fall and winter services and programs.
* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.
* Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore – information and more.
* ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – free CFL’s and learn about various ways to lessen your carbon footprint at home and work.
* Community Booth: Gail Borden Public Library - materials and promotion of upcoming library events, including the library's Hispanic Heritage month activities.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Celebrate Andersen's 50th Anniversary Today at Gasthaus Outdoor Cookout


The DNA invites everyone to attend a special ceremony celebrating Andersen's Engraving's 50th Anniversary in downtown Elgin today.

Beginning at Noon today, join us for a special pre-ceremony lunchtime cookout at The Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove Avenue. They'll be cooking up burgers for $5.50 (plus tax & tip) and brats for $5.00 (plus tax & tip) as well as serving non-alcoholic beverages all on their beautiful, brand-new outdoor patio. The Gast's full lunch menu will also be available.

Then at 1PM we invite you to walk up the street to Andersen's, 27 N. Grove Avenue, where Elgin dignitaries will gather for a special ceremony, including the re-unveiling of the original Andersen's Gifts sign which marked the store's original location at 170 DuPage some 50 years ago.

The outdoor cookout at The Gasthaus goes until 2PM.

For custom engraving, trophies, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, greeting cards, gifts and foil imprinting services, call Andersen's today at 847-742-5434.

Please join the DNA in congratulating Andersen's Engraving on 50 years of service to the Elgin community!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - September 22


Here's what's happening this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market on Thursday, September 22 from 10am-4pm at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and adjacent to The Centre of Elgin and Hemmens Cultural Center.

- Back to School Market Day - 10am–2pm - students from local schools participating in various sustainable, agricultural, wellness sessions and food demonstrations.
- Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment.
- City of Elgin Booth – Hemmens – information about their upcoming 2011-2012 season
- Simple Balance Holistic Center – information on wellness programs, packages, and upcoming workshops and events.
- Landin Chiropractic – performing free spinal screenings, with state-of-the-art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.
- ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Hawthorne Hill Nature Center - information about nature programs for the fall and winter.
- Community Booth: Community Crisis Center - information regarding CCC's services and will be selling recycled fabric products, the proceeds of which benefit the Crisis Center.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market's 2011 season comes to a close next Thursday, September 29.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Mayor Kaptain to Speak at September Out to Lunch


The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, September 26 at Bangkok House and Shanghai Restaurant, 11 Douglas Avenue. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the lunch program runs Noon-1PM.

The featured guest speaker for September will be City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a lunch buffet consisting of Crab Rangoon, Thai Style Egg Rolls (vegetarian), Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken, Szechwan Beef, Chow Foon (vegetarian), seasonal fruits and choice of soft drinks or tea.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address to DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski by phone at 847-488-1456, by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, September 23.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to showcase a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and engage the public by 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, Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson and Provena St. Joseph Hospital CEO Dr. Eugene McMahon.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

'Mayor at the Market' Highlights This Week's Downtown Elgin Harvest Market


This week’s Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, taking place on Thursday, September 15 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue, is highlighted by a special visit from Mayor David Kaptain entitled “Mayor at the Market”.

Mayor Kaptain will be on hand to discuss sustainability issues with market patrons from 11AM-12PM. The setting will be informal and “market munchies” will be available to those who wish to participate.

Other events and activities planned for this week’s Harvest Market include:

Davey Tree Booth ”Ask an Arborist” - Davey Tree will conduct a tree pruning demonstration.
Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings.
City of Elgin Booth – Fire Department will be on hand with their fire vehicles.
Salon Couture – check out their latest natural beauty products and services.
ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Public Museum - promoting all of their exciting fall programming.
Community Booth: The Literacy Connection – information about their programs and upcoming events.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market season closes on Thursday, September 29.

Congratulations to Andersen's Engraving on 50 Years in Downtown Elgin


This September, Andersen's Engraving, 27 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin, is celebrating 50 years of service to the downtown Elgin community.

On Wednesday, September 14 at Elgin's City Council meeting at 7PM, Mayor David Kaptain will read a formal proclamation honoring owner Dave Andersen, by proclaiming September 21 Andersen's Engraving Day in Elgin.

Then on Wednesday, September 21 beginning at 1PM, owner Dave Andersen and other Elgin dignitaries will take part in a ceremony in front of the shop, which includes a very special unveiling of the original restored "Andersen's Gifts" sign that marked the shop's original storefront location at 170 DuPage.

As an added bonus, Andersen's neighbor The Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove Avenue, will offer a special pre-ceremony cook-out, featuring burgers, brats and non-alcoholic beverages, on their beautiful new outdoor patio for all attendees beginning at Noon.

S.J. Andersen opened Andersen's Gifts in September 1961 at 170 DuPage in downtown Elgin. Over its 50 years in business, the store has called several downtown locations home, including stints at 163 E. Chicago Street next to the old Wilson's Shoes where the Martini Room currently resides; 21 Douglas Avenue next to Keeney's Sporting Goods; and its current location at 27 N. Grove Avenue next to Artistic Framing and Supplies.

The core business of the shop has always focused on trophies, custom engraving services, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, greeting cards, gifts and foil imprinting services. For more information on available products, specific services and pricing, contact Dave Andersen at 847-742-5434.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association congratulates the Andersen family on a well-deserved 50th Anniversary celebration in downtown Elgin!

Photos of Andersen’s different storefronts from over the decades are available at http://photobucket.com/Andersens50th

Monday, September 12, 2011

Downtown Elgin Car Show Results


Over 70 different cars, trucks and alternative fuel vehicles rolled into Elgin’s Civic Parking Lot on Saturday, September 10 for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s 5th Annual Downtown Elgin Car Show – Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm.

In addition to raffles, silent auctions, music and other fun activities, participants and spectators alike were asked to cast their ballot for the vehicles they deemed Best in Show.

The overall winner of Best in Show was Ron Barclay of Gilberts and his 1958 Pontiac Bonneville. Barclay received a trophy from Ken Stepps of Ken Stepps State Farm Insurance Agency, 111 Douglas Avenue, courtesy of Andersen’s Engraving, 27 N. Grove Avenue.

Other winners included Kurt Berghahn of Sleepy Hollow with his Ford Model A; Joe Sant of Elgin with his 1957 Ford; and Jon Schwartz of Dundee with his 1936 Aston Martin. The People’s Choice Award winner was Bruce Flescher of Hampshire with his 1969 Chevy Chevelle.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association hosted two Cruise Nights in August, which included an impromptu cruise around the streets of downtown Elgin, to engage local car enthusiasts as well as promote the September car show.

The DNA would like to thank our car show sponsors, Ken Stepps State Farm, Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, Redmon's Towing, Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog and Tom's Auto Clinic; our booth sponsors, Huntington Learning Center, Chiro One Wellness and Titan Self Storage; our 2011 Car Show Committee Chair Rich Hirschberg; and everyone who participated in or attended this year's Downtown Elgin Car Show.

Click for a photo slideshow from the Downtown Elgin Car Show >>>

Friday, September 09, 2011

Downtown Elgin Car Show Details



The DNA's fifth annual Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm takes place Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenue.

Registration and Check-In Procedures for Participants:

Registration begins at 9AM sharp! We will have minimal staff on hand at the Civic Lot setting things up so if you do arrive early, we would appreciate your patience in waiting until we are completely set up at 9AM to take your registration info.

If you have pre-registered AND pre-paid for your vehicle in advance, you just need to provide our check-in volunteers with your name so they can check you off the list. You will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

If you have pre-registered but did not pre-pay, our volunteer will also collect your information and the $5 registration fee from you. You will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

If you did not pre-register your vehicle, you will need to fill out a Car Show registration form and pay the $5 registration fee. Supplies permitting, you will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque (they are first come, first served to non-preregistered particpants) and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

Judging/Awards

Participants will be handed a ballot at check-in to vote for your Top 3 vehicles in show. Please return your completed ballot to the DNA volunteer at the check-in tent before 1PM.

Car Show patrons can pick up their People's Choice Ballots at the DNA check-in tent. Ballots must be returned to the DNA volunteer at the check-in tent before 1PM.

Awards will be presented at 2:30PM.

•Plaques will be awarded to the 2nd-5th Place winners (based on our participants' votes) and a trophy to our Best in Show. There will also be a People's Choice Award trophy - as selected by guests in attendance at the Car Show.

Weather

The forecast is calling for a chance of rain on Saturday, thus we are enacting the following procedures should weather become an issue:

Prior to 9AM

•If there is heavy or sustained rain or threat of lightning in the area prior to 9AM, we will postpone the Car Show until Saturday, September 17, Civic Lot, 9AM-3PM.

•Light rain or drizzle will not cause the Car Show to be postponed.

After 9AM

•The Car Show will go on rain or shine. If the weather becomes a bigger issue after the Car Show has started, we will wait it out as long as possible then, if necessary, cancel the remainder of the show. We would not reschedule.

We will be keeping an eye on the weather beginning at 7AM that morning and will post updates about the status of the Car Show at DowntownElgin.com and on DNA's Facebook and Twitter accounts.


We look forward to a great weekend of activities in downtown Elgin - including the Car Show, Next Wave Art Salon, Elgin Historic House Tour, 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and Concert of Rememberance at Hemmens. Join us!

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - September 8


Here's what's happening this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers on Thursday, September 8 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and adjacent to The Centre of Elgin:

Vintage Cars at the Market - promoting the Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps on Saturday, September 10 at the Civic Lot.

Live Entertainment – Grandpa Q singing and playing guitar - 10AM-Noon.

Davey Tree Booth–”Ask an Arborist” - educational information about trees and our environment.

City of Elgin Booth – staff from the Bluff City Cemetery will be on hand to provide information on the cemetery.

Simple Balance Holistic Center Booth– information about wellness programs and packages offered, as well as, upcoming workshops and events.

Landin Chiropractic Booth – performing free spinal screenings with state-of-the-art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.

ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Area Historical Society – Apple press activity and promoting Bluff City Cemetary Walk on Saturday, September 24.

Community Booth: Gifford Park Association - will be present selling tickets to their upcoming Historic Elgin House Tour on September 10 & 11.

For more information on the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Car Show Rolls Into Fifth Year This Saturday


The 2011 Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm returns to the Civic Parking Lot, at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues, on Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM.

Celebrating its fifth year, the Car Show will again showcase the area's hottest hot rods, classic cars, vintage vehicles and green/AFVs all in one location in the heart of downtown Elgin. There will also be entertainment, green seminars, car care clinics, food drive, vendor booths, and more! Trophies will be awarded to the best five cars in show as determined by the car show participants. A People's Choice Award, selected by the voting public, will also be given out.

The Downtown Elgin Car Show is FREE to the public! There is a $5 Registration Fee per vehicle. All pre-registered participants will receive a limited edition Downtown Elgin Car Show Dash Plaque at check-in.

To pre-register your vehicle(s) for the Downtown Elgin Car Show, click here!

Note to Downtown Residents, Employees and Business Owners: the Civic Parking Lot will be closed off to public parking from 7AM-3PM on Saturday, September 10. Street parking is available on the streets adjacent to the Civic Lot including Highland Avenue, Douglas Avenue and Division Street and FREE parking is available in the nearby parking decks on Spring Street and on Symphony Way across from The Centre. The Civic Lot will reopen to public parking at 3:30PM.

The rain date for the Downtown Elgin Car Show is Saturday, September 17.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to thank our event sponsors Redmon's Towing, Tom's Auto Care and Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog Insurance, our booth sponsors Chiro One Wellness, Huntington Learning Center and Titan Self Storage, and a special thanks to our presenting sponsor Ken Stepps State Farm Insurance Agency.

Downtown Money Saving Discounts with Your Gail Borden Library Card


During September's National Library Card Sign-up Month, show your Gail Borden Library card at area merchants and receive a money-saving discount. Below is a list of participating downtown merchants and DNA members:

2 Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago St.
10% off merchandise (except records)

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 & 15% off in-stock supplies

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

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

Elgin Antiques
203 E. Chicago St.
10% off merchandise

Elgin Books
209 E. Chicago St.
20% off purchase of books

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 (restrictions apply)

Elgin Public Museum
225 Grand Blvd.
10% off any item in the museum store

In the Neighborhood Deli & Café
185 N. Edison Ave.
10% off any order

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring St.
Free dessert with purchase of $10 or more

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago St.
15% off any one service or product; one discount per visit

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

To view the complete list of participating Elgin area merchants, visit GailBorden.info.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

This Week at Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s September “First Thursday” Market



Here is a rundown of the happenings this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s final “First Thursday” Market of the 2011 season on Thursday, September 1, with special extended hours from 10AM-6PM, at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin.

Art at the Market – Keath Sodapop, a local artist and member of Art for All, will be interacting with customers creating urban/public art pieces, plus decorating ReStore outdoor furniture and objects that will be for sale at ReStore the next day.
Artz Zone - from 4-6PM where artists in the community have the opportunity to set up for free at the Harvest Market and sell/demo their art.
"Market Munchies" - available to market customers who shop between 4-6PM with a purchase over $15.
Kids’ Corner - complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes and more will be provided by community sponsor, Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy.
Live Entertainment - Strolling violinist Jennifer Silk between Noon – 1:30PM and singer/musicians Jams Clipper 4-6PM.
Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings.
Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment.
City of Elgin Booth – Fire Department‘s water rescue and recovery team will be present with fire trucks, rescue boats, and more.
Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.
ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – get free CFL’s and learn about various ways you can get involved or lessen your carbon footprint at home and work.
Community Booth: International Teams – promoting their “Ride for Refuge” Fox Valley bike ride which will raise awareness and funds for refugees and anti-trafficking projects.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers runs every Thursday from 10AM-4PM now through September 29.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

City of Elgin 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Concert of Remembrance at Hemmens


On Sunday, September 11 at 3:30PM at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, the Elgin Choral Union, along with the City of Elgin and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, present A Concert of Remembrance - a collaborative performance to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

This moving concert features John Adams’ Transmigration of Souls, written shortly after the attacks to exemplify the emotions & complexities of the tragedy; and Johannes Brahms’ Requiem, often referred to as the Human Requiem, written for the living as they remember those who have passed on.

The concert will also feature performances by Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Voices, Elgin Children’s Chorus, and Elgin OPERA.

Tickets are on available by calling the Hemmens' Box Office at 847-931-5900 or at Hemmens.org.

Preceding the concert at 1:30PM, join the City of Elgin for a September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court (behind City Hall), featuring a presentation of the colors, performance of The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and Amazing Grace, welcoming remarks by City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, sounding of the bells, rifle salute, Taps and more.

For additional information about the ceremony, please call 847-931-5677 or for a link to the complete rundown of the ceremony's itinerary, click here!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - August 25


Here's what's happening at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market this Thursday, August 25 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin:

* Davey Tree Booth – "Ask an Arborist" - will have educational information about trees and our environment

* City of Elgin Booth – Hemmens Cultural Center will be promoting their line-up of performances for the 2011-2012 season

* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – will be on hand with information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.

* ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Hawthorne Hill Nature Center - will have information on their upcoming programs

* Community Booth: Gifford Park Association - will be selling tickets to their upcoming 30th Annual Elgin Historic House Tour on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - August 18


Here's what's happening this Thursday, August 18 at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market from 10AM-4PM at 200 N. Grove Avenue, located across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin:

Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – the Neurosciences folks and Joyce Ancona will be present to help market goers learn their stroke score cards and blood pressures.
Davey Tree Booth–"Ask an Arborist!" - educational information about trees and our environment.
Simple Balance Holistic Center – will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.
Salon Couture–an Aveda salon - will have information about their products and services, plus maybe a raffle or hand massage.
ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Public Museum - Fun with pH! Test water samples to see if Elgin’s water is in balance; then test other liquids to see how they compare with water.
Community Booth: Community Crisis Center - will be providing information regarding their services and have Terri Naaf selling reusable fabric gift bags and other sewing crafts that will go 100% to the Community Crisis Center.
Find the Downtown Wandering Gnome! You will find clues posted at the market with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby DNA Downtown Member Organization/Business. First ten people to find the gnome within the next week will get a prize.
• Merchandise for Sale at the Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth:
  • - New Harvest Market T-shirts $10- $15
  • - Elgin Tower Building Puzzles $5
  • - Vintage Elgin Seeds Magnet $3.50
  • - Weekly Recipe Cards $1
• Become a DNA Harvest Market Member! Join DNA as a Harvest Market member for only $45 and get a free tote bag, free Vintage Seeds Magnet, membership card which helps you get a free raffle ticket at the DNA booth, 10% discounts on merchandise, and other specials, plus all of the benefits included with the DNA individual membership.

Click here to see photos of our new Harvest Market t-shirts > > >

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl Details


The following is a list of drink specials available to Downtown Elgin Pub Crawlers (for the night of August 12 only) who show their passports when ordering. All participating Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl establishments will be offering $3.00 Miller Lite bottles - courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Euclid Beverage.

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

• The Moody Blues - $3

• Purple Haze - $3


Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-0349
www.MartiniRoomElgin.com

• Red Apple Martini - $6

• Cherry Sprite Mixed Drink - $5

• SoCo Lime Shot - $3


Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
www.DouglasStreetSportsBar.com

• LA Lemonade - $5

• All Three Olives Vodka Drinks - $5

• Summer Shante Drafts - $4


Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
www.VillaVerone.net

• Glass of House Wine (red or white) - $5

• Cucumber Shots - $2


Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
www.ElginPublicHouse.com

• EPH Strawberry Lemonade - $5

• Peach Cobbler Shots - $3.50


The AfterSet
158 Symphony Way
847-608-7570

• Patron Pyrat Rum and Coke - $5

• Patron Citrogne Tequila and Sprite - $5


Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street

• Drink specials TBA


Additionally, the streets of downtown Elgin will be alive with activity as several local musicians will be performing on street corners throughout the evening including:

• John Rodriguez & Dave Hudson – Highland & Douglas (southeast corner)
• The Reverends – Chicago & Douglas/S. Grove (southwest corner near park)
• Joe Haggenjos – Chicago & Spring (southwest corner near park)
• Annalee – Chicago & Spring (west of Spring deck entrance/exit)

For a $10 donation, crawlers will receive one raffle ticket for a cash prize of $500, as well as an official Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl lanyard (complete with bottle opener) courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Euclid Beverage.

Crawlers who visit at least FOUR of the 7 participating bars will receive a second raffle ticket for the $500 cash prize drawing. Each bar will also host a unique prize package - raffle tickets for these prizes are $1 each.

Donation proceeds and raffle ticket sales benefit the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin to support the continued revitalization of downtown Elgin.

To avoid the lines at check-in, pre-register and pay online by clicking here!