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Elgin 4th of July Parade People's Choice Winner |
Congratulations to Spring Hill Gymnastics on being selected the 2011 Elgin 4th of July Parade People's Choice Award Winner as the parade unit that reflected the "best-of-the-best" in this year's parade. Thank you to everyone who voted. |
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Musicians Wanted for Pub Crawl |
The DNA is looking for musicians to play on street corners for the Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl on August 12 (rain date is August 13). Not looking for full bands - need 1-2 musicians on each street corner. Looking for a variety of strings, brass, percussion, vocals, etc. Electricity may be provided for a single amp. NOT PAID - but collection jars are cool. Event is expected to bring 1,500-2,000 people into downtown. Interested? Call Tonya Hudson at 847-488-1456. |
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Calling All Tweeters, Bloggers and Yelpers |
Can't write enough Yelp reviews? Live to blog? Are you a Tweeting machine? Then the DNA and the Elgin Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau wants you for a special event this Thursday, July 14 from 6-8PM at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street, that is sure to tantilize your inner "foodie". Please direct message the DNA at @DowntownElgin or e-mail us. RSVP required. |
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Vice to Nice: Transformation of Chicago's South Loop |
Join DNA on Thursday, July 21 for a walking tour that explores the architecture and history of an area that has undergone dramatic transformation, followed by dinner at your choice of the area's many restaurants.
The cost of the trip is $30 per person, which includes the tour and round trip train fare from Elgin. (Train leaves Chicago St. Metra Station at 3:28PM and arrives back in Elgin at 10:50PM.) The cost for just the tour only is $18. Dinner and cab fare (if needed) is on your own. Limited to 35 people.
Please RSVP to DNA at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail us by July 18. |
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Coming Later This Summer |
Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata
July 30-31
Downtown Elgin
Downtown Elgin Cruise Night
Thursday, August 4
Downtown Elgin
Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl Friday, August 12 Downtown Elgin Bars & Restaurants
BoriquaFest Saturday, August 13 Festival Park
Fiesta Salsa
Saturday, September 3
Festival Park
Next Wave Art Salon
September 9-10
166 Symphony Way
Downtown Elgin Car Show
Saturday, September 10
Civic Parking Lot
Elgin Short Film Festival
Saturday, September 17
The Hemmens |
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Downtown Elgin Directory Brochure | |
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Elgin Events & Happenings |  |
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| Downtown Elgin Top 10 | July 13-July 22 | |
| #1: Downtown Elgin Harvest Market | |
 The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System continues this Thursday, July 14 from 10AM-4PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.
NOTE: The Crosstown Classic Challenge Cookoff between In the Neighborhood Deli and Elgin Public House originally scheduled for this Thursday has been postponed. We will look to reschedule sometime in August.
For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com |
| #2: Frock Swap Returns to The Hemmens | |
 Frock Swap, the annual wardrobe revitalization event which benefits the Community Crisis Center, returns to The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, on Saturday, July 16.
For a $10 entry fee, shoppers & swappers can revitalize their wardrobes for little or no money. It's green. It's affordable. It's good for our community.
In addition to the shopping and swapping, new additions to this year's event includes special honorary chair, WGN's Nancy Loo, a celebrity boutique, door prizes, DJ, fashion show, and more!
Frock Swap advanced drop offs will be accepted at The Hemmens. Drop off dates and times are Wednesday, July 13 at 9AM and Thursday, July 14 at 9AM.
It's fashionably fun! For more information on how to participate in Frock Swap, visit FrockSwapCCC.com. |
| #3: Free Family Movie Series at Festival Park | |
 Bring the whole family and enjoy films under the stars every Thursday night all summer long at the City of Elgin's Family Movie Series at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Avenue.
This Thursday, July 14, the movie will be Despicable Me, starring Steve Carell as the evil Gru.
Pre-show activities begin at 7PM. The movie starts at sunset.
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| #4: Muggle Madness at Gail Borden Public Library | |
This Thursday, July 14 from 7-9PM, on the eve of the release of the final chapter in the Harry Potter movies, make a little magic at the Gail Borden Public Library's very last Muggle Madness event. Activities include:
- Dress as your favorite Harry Potter character, bring a camera and pose in front of Hogwarts.
- Get interviewed by reporter Rita Skeeter with interviews to be posted on the library's website.
- Enjoy a taste of Butter Beer (great with Cockroach Clusters!)
- Practice potion making (will it be Wolfsbane Potion or Draught of the Living Dead?)
- Guess the number of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. The Muggle who comes the closest will win a Hogwarts game.
- Make a magic wand or even a mad eye to look like Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody.
- Go on a Horcrux Hunt to find clues throughout the library for a chance to win a LEGO Hogwarts set!
Gail Borden Public Library l 270 N. Grove Avenue847.742.2411 l GailBorden.info |
| #5: Elgin Summer Theatre's Annie at The Hemmens | |
Leapin' Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in Elgin Summer Theatre's production of Annie for a two-weekend engagement at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.
The production boasts one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including "Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," and "Tomorrow".
Performances and showtimes:
Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 at 8PM
Sunday, July 17 at 3PM
Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23 at 8PM
Sunday, July 24 at 3PM
Community members are invited to stop in before the show on July 17 and July 24 to meet McGruff the Crime Dog and receive a FREE Child Safety Identification Kit.
Tickets are $15 and available for purchase at Hemmens.org |
| #6: July is Black Angus Steak Month at Al's Cafe | | |
During the month of July, Chef Tony is creating a tasty selection of Black Angus Steaks. Each dish is served with choice of a garden salad or chef's daily freshly prepared homemade soup, all for only $13.95. Following are your delicious choices:
Steak aux Poivre - seared with cracked black & green peppercorns, blanketed with a creamy brandy pepper sauce and served with Al's homemade mashed potatoes & grilled fresh vegetables
Cafe Steak - pan-seared with Montreal steak spices served aux jus with fries and grilled fresh vegetables
Danish Bleu Steak - served char-grilled, topped with a Danish Bleu cheese aux gratin & served with Al's homemade mashed mashed potatoes & grilled fresh vegetables
Texas Jack - topped with our own homemade Jack Daniels B.B.Q. sauce and served with fries and grilled fresh vegetables
Steak Dianne - pan-seared topped with a delicate brandy mushroom sauce and served with Al's homemade mashed potatoes and roasted fresh vegetables
The Classic - topped with a dollop of garlic-herb butter & served with Al's homemade mashed potatoes and roasted fresh vegetables
Al's Cafe & Creamery l 43 DuPage Court
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| #7: Walkabout: Theatre on Your Feet | | |
The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents the 4th Annual Walkabout: Theater on Your Feet.
This year's theme is The 'Art' of Friendship. Come see one play performed by three different theater companies. The characters will stay the same, but the actors will change as the play reaches its climactic conclusion. Featuring performances by the Guild Theater, Janus Theatre Company and Nothing Special Productions. Also on display will be artwork by local artists. Don't forget about the famous Al's Café malts at the end of the tour.
Performances take place on Saturday, July 16, 23 and 30 starting at 1PM at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago St. Tours begin every 20 minutes until 2:20 pm. Tickets are $15 - cash only at the door. For reservations, call 847-841-1713.
Walkabout is also seeking additional volunteers to serve as tour guides. Perks include a free t-shirt, a free malt, and you get to lead a group of people around downtown Elgin all while getting some great exercise and a front row view of the show. E-mail shargadon69@yahoo.com for more information. |
| #8: Elgin OPERA's Festival of Singers at Villa Verone | |
 By popular demand Elgin OPERA's Festival of Singers is returning to Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Avenue, beginning this Sunday, July 17 from 6-8PM and every Sunday evening through August 28.
Savor authentic Italian cuisine while enjoying the beautiful voices of the Elgin OPERA singers. 5-10 singers will perform classic opera, Broadway show tunes, and art songs, for your dining pleasure. There is no additional charge for the entertainment.
OPERA Guild Members can enjoy a 10% discount on the total bill of the table with their Guild membership ID card. Call 847-742-0263 to make your reservations today!
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Don't forget to stop by Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano this Thursday, July 14 beginning at 6:30PM for another installment of EPOW - Elgin Person of the Week. This week's EPOW and guest bartender will be Jesse Greco.
Come for the free apps, karaoke and dancing, stay for the FUN! |
| #9: EPH Left Hand Brewery Dinner Pairing | |
On Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 6:30PM, Elgin Public House rolls out its monthly dinner pairing. This month's pairing features a decidedly left-handed slant.
Each dish from the pre-reception, the four course dinner and dessert course will be paired with one of your Left Hand Brewery favorites including Polestar Pilsner, Black Jack Porter, Sawtooth Ale, 400 lb. Monkey, Good Juju and Milk Stout.
Cost is $45 per person and reservations are highly recommended! Call 847-468-8810 to reserve your place at the dinner table today!
Click here to view the complete menu > > >
Elgin Public House l 219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810 l ElginPublicHouse.com |
| #10: Adirondacks: Thrones of Summer 2011 | |
 Now thru July 28, all of your favorite Adirondacks: Thrones of Summer are on display at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue, and your vote could help determine the winner of The Game of Thrones.
Be sure to vote for the DNA's Harvest Market Throne (above) along with all of your other favorites at the Library or online at GailBorden.info.
The winners will be announced at Art & Soul on the Fox in downtown Elgin on July 30 and 31. Winners of passport competition will also be announced at Art & Soul on the Fox. Prizes include cash, a Taste of Elgin basket and lots of gift certificates.
Interested in owning one of these beautifully decorated thrones? You can do so one of two ways: by silent auction at on July 30 and 31, or live auction on July 31 at 1PM on S. Spring Street, both at Art & Soul on the Fox. Proceeds benefit sustainable neighborhood projects. |
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