Fourth of July festivities will be free in Elgin
The Fourth of July concert and fireworks in downtown Elgin will be free this year - along with other summer events planned by Grand Victoria Casino.
The Independence Day lineup will feature rocker Mark Farner, formerly of Grand Funk Railroad, blues rock band Rare Earth, 1960s-era soul crooners Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, and local opener Cool Rockin Daddies.
The city and Grand Victoria will continue to co-sponsor the festivities at a cost of no more than $30,000 for the city including police, fire and public services staffing, marketing and equipment rental.
Casino General Manager Jim Thomason said free events this summer in Elgin also include a Food Truck Festival Aug. 5, a Classic Car Show Aug. 27 and Oktoberfest Sept. 24.
"We look forward to an even more successful season in Festival Park and to entice more visitors to come to Elgin," he said.
Mayor David Kaptain said he met earlier this week with Thomason, and they agreed not to have fencing at Festival Park. "The fence became kind of a hindrance," Kaptain said. "We're trying to make this something that is more city friendly."
Last year, an estimated 3,000 people attended the fireworks, and more than 10,000 people overall flocked to downtown, Thomason said.
In anticipation of even larger crowds, the casino plans to hire Elgin police officers to provide security for Fourth of July, Thomason said. "While we would still retain a private security company during the events, having Elgin police on-site would further serve to secure the area."
Councilwomen Tish Powell and Carol Rauschenberger said they were happy with the partnership with the casino. "This is a win-win for both of us, and I am glad to see it's continuing," Powell said.
Elgin Police Cmdr. Ana Lalley said the police department is putting together a plan to ensure smooth traffic flow out of the casino parking deck following events.
Elgin's Fourth of July
Concert: 5 to 9:15 p.m. Acts include Mark Farner, Rare Earth, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, Cool Rockin Daddies.
Fireworks: 9:15 p.m.
Concessions: Food and beverage vendors; alcohol for those who show ID and obtain a wristband.
Parking: Free at the Grand Victoria Casino garage and city parking decks. Visit <a href="http://www.cityofelgin.org/parking">cityofelgin.org/parking</a>.
Road closures: National Street bridge over the Fox River will be closed from 3 p.m. until after the fireworks.