Elgin will kick off a summer full of festivals and special events starting on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008 with a variety of activities for the entire family!
Memorial Day Observances will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery, with the American Legion and VFW Color Guards and Firing Squads, Rifle Salute and Taps, followed by a Catholic Mass. At 9:15 a.m. Lakewood Memorial Park will be the site of observances that include Guard of Honor, American Legion and VFW Color Guards and Firing Squads, Rifle Salute and Taps. At 9:45 a.m. the Elgin Marine Corps League, Elgin Navy Club and Northern Kane County VietNow will host a Memorial Day service at the Highland Avenue Bridge. Memorial Day Observances will take place at Bluff City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., where the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association will present a Reading of General Logan’s General Order #11, The Gettysburg Address, Roll Call of the Deceased, Floral Tributes, and Raising of the Flag, Rifle Salute and Taps.
The 31st Annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot will begin promptly at 8:10 a.m. at Elgin City Hall, with more than 3,000 people of all ages and from all over the mid-west expected to attend. Sanctioned by the Chicago Area Runners Association, the Fox Trot includes a 10 mile run, 5 K run, and a 2 mile fun walk and Corporate Challenge. Awards, refreshments and the Kiwanis “Bottomless Pancake Breakfast” are great reasons to come on out and enter the event!
Each year, proceeds from the Fox Trot provide funding for the Elgin Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program provides financial assistance to children who wish to participate in recreation programs and ensure that children whose families face economic difficulty are able to take part in wholesome, educational activities.
Applications are now being accepted for the race. The registration fee is $20 in advance or $30 on race day for the 5k and 10 mile run. Registration for the 2 mile walk is $5 per person or $18 for a family of four. Official entry forms for the 10 Mile Run/5k Run or the 2 Mile Fun Walk can be downloaded from the City of Elgin website www.cityofelgin.org. Copies can also be obtained at the Parks and Recreation Department located at the Centre, 100 Symphony Way, or in the lobby of City Hall at 150 Dexter Court. Mail-in applications must be submitted no later than May 17, 2007. Faxed applications will be accepted until May 21 and walk-in registration continues until 5:00 p.m., May 22nd.
Immediately following the race, the family can enjoy the rest of the day at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove, at the 8th Annual Rib Fest, presented by the City of Elgin and the Outside Exhibition Group. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Festival Park. The day will include live music, fun activities and great ribs! Twice as many rib vendors are participating than last year, including: Al’s Café & Creamery, Famous Kal’s, Boondocks B-B-Q and Grill, M.T. Barrels Restaurant & Brewery, Hemmens Concessions, Elgin Public House, Canyon Creek Bar-B-Q, A Private Affair, Ltd., and JC’s Barbecue. Admission is free and free parking is available at the Fulton Street Deck or at any city facility in the downtown area. For more information, contact Barb Keselica at 847-531-7056.
With the support of the 2008 season sponsors, Comcast and The Daily Herald, the City of Elgin will present a wide variety of different events throughout the season. In addition to these events, 15 independently sponsored special events and festivals have been scheduled as well, offering a summer full of fun close to home!
For the latest information and updates, please check the city website regularly at www.cityofelgin.or or for more information contact Barb Keselica, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Elgin at 847-531-7056.