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Fourth of July fireworks return to Elgin

After years of partnering with a neighboring town, the city of Elgin is bringing its fireworks show back within city limits as part of its Fourth of July festivities.

In recent years, the fireworks show was held in Hoffman Estates, said Barb Keselica, special events and community manager for the city of Elgin. The downside to this, she said, was that Elgin residents couldn't watch the fireworks in their own town.

"The city council really wanted to bring it back to the city and have a celebration within city limits," Keselica said. "This really brings the community together."

The city of Elgin teamed up with the Grand Victoria Casino to create the Rock and Roll Jackpot Fourth of July Concerts and Fireworks in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave. Starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 3, Chicago Transit Authority; Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin, of Chicago; Larry Braggs, of Tower of Power; and Three Dog Night will perform.

At 5 p.m. Friday, July 4, Creedence Clearwater Revisited; Dennis DeYoung of STYX; and the Chicago 6 will performed, followed by a fireworks show at around 9:20 p.m., said Suzanne Phillips, director of marketing at Grand Victoria Casino.

"These bands are very family-oriented, and the Fourth of July fireworks is definitely a family show," Phillips said.

Food and beverages from the Grand Victoria Casino will also be available for purchase on concert grounds, along with a full bar, Phillips said.

Phillips said working with the city of Elgin has been extremely helpful in holding the event, especially because Festival Park is a beautiful setting.

"Festival Park is the best location to view the fireworks from," she said, adding that lawn tickets are only $5 on July 4 and will be available to purchase on the grounds the day of the event.

Lawn seats are $19 for the July 3 concerts. Additional reserved seating is also available both days, and ticket prices range from $29-$79.

The biggest risk in hosting an event of this size, Phillips said, is the unpredictable July weather.

"Weather is always the biggest question; it's always the wild card," she said. "We're 100 percent weather dependent."

Phillips said there isn't a rain date for either day of the event, but if the show is canceled for any reason, people who already purchased their tickets will receive a refund.

The concerts and fireworks show aren't the only Fourth of July events held in Elgin this year, Keselica said. The Kountry Pet Resort Pooch Parade will be held at 8:30 a.m. July 4 at the Butterfly Garden, on the corner of Ann and Douglas avenues.

Following the pooch parade at 9 a.m. is the annual city of Elgin Fourth of July parade, which starts at Slade and Douglas avenues and ends at Highland and Douglas avenues. This year, the parade's theme is "Honoring Those Who Serve."

New to the parade this year is the Parade App, which watchers can download to their smartphones. If they point the phone at a float or an act in the parade, information about the organization will appear on the phone.

In between the parades and the evening concerts, Keselica said, participants are encouraged to visit shops and restaurants and enjoy the beauty of downtown Elgin.

Phillips said she hopes residents from neighboring towns will also join the festivities, especially because downtown Elgin has so much to offer.

"We all have the common goal of rebranding downtown and improving the reputation," she said. "Elgin is a town of arts and culture and entertainment, and we want people to realize that."

For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.grandvictoriacasino.com or www.downtownelgin.com.

The last time the city of Elgin hosted a Fourth of July fireworks show, it was at the Elgin Sports Complex. This year, it will be at Festival Park. Daily Herald File Photo
  Perched atop a military vehicle, 3-year-old Parker Balk waves his flag during last year's Elgin Fourth of July Parade. The theme for this year's parade is "Honoring Those Who Serve." Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2013
Three Dog Night will play at Elgin's Festival Park on Thursday, July 3. Courtesy of UMarketing
Creedence Clearwater Revisited will play at Elgin's Festival Park on Friday, July 4. Courtesy of UMarketing

If you go

What: Elgin's Fourth of July fireworks celebration and concerts

When: Concerts start at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4

Where: Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Avenue in Elgin

Cost: On Thursday, tickets are $19 for lawn seats. Additional seating ranges from $39-$79. On Friday, tickets are $5 for lawn seats. Additional seating ranges from $29-$79.

Details: <a href="http://www.GrandVictoriaCasino.com">www.GrandVictoriaCasino.com</a> or <a href="http://www.downtownelgin.com">www.downtownelgin.com</a>.

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