With FoxFireFest canceled, Elgin focusing on neighborhood celebrations

Elgin's FoxFireFest was to be entering its fourth year this summer.

Instead the festival, which leaders hoped would become the city's signature event, is being canceled because of budget cutbacks.

"It's not ending forever. We want to bring it back," said Cherie Murphy, Elgin's marketing officer.

Now city leaders are planning a new event, dubbed "Elgin's Biggest Block Party" for the afternoon and evening on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Festival Park, Grove Avenue and Prairie Street.

"We have some strong neighborhood pride out there," Murphy said. "We thought why not end the summer with one big block party?"

Murphy said city officials are still working out details, but they see the party as a chance to build community pride and foster connections between residents. Games like sack races, food and local bands are just a few starting points.

For more information or to submit ideas and suggestions, call (847) 531-7056.

"Most of the stuff we're doing this year is really going to be to engage neighborhoods," added Sue Olafson, city spokeswoman.

City officials also want to tie the block party into the Elgin Historic House Tour, traditionally held in the east side Gifford Park neighborhood.

In past years, the city splurged on big name bands and fireworks for FoxFireFest. The weekend of July 31 and Aug. 1 will be devoid of those two attractions this year, but still have the art showcase held by Art For All.

Murphy is hopeful FoxFireFest will come back when the economy does.

"It's not ending forever," she said. "We want to bring it back."