Bicycles on Parade in Elgin
In what seems like eons ago, the city of Chicago hosted its "Cows on Parade" public art display.
Large cow statues - decorated in different themes - dotted the city and were eventually auctioned off.
Other cities followed suit with giraffes, unicorns, polar bears and Elgin had "dinos" in 2005.
Last year, in an effort to highlight the city's sustainable movement, there was Rain Barrels on Parade and an online voting contest that tallied more than 103,000 votes.
This year, the Elgin Community Network, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Elgin Climate Change Organization, the city, schools and businesses will host Bicycles on Parade.
From June through July 31, about 100 bicycles will be on display at various city locations, culminating with an auction Aug. 1 at the Art and Soul of the Fox Festival in downtown Elgin.
The deadline to enter bikes into the contest has passed, but I personally am excited to see the creativity of Elginites on display once again.
I had the privilege of covering the rain barrel event last year and I was absolutely amazed at the efforts of city artists and groups looking to have some fun.
Leader luncheon: The YWCA Elgin will host its 27th annual Leader Luncheon on Thursday, May 13 at The Seville, 700 Barrington Road, Streamwood.
The group will present individual awards in seven categories, a corporate award and a racial justice award.
A reception is at 11 a.m. and lunch is at noon.
For more information call (847) 742-7930 or to register online, visit ywca.org.
The keynote speaker is Jessica Doyle, the first lady of Wisconsin.
Congrats to: ... State Sen. Michael Noland, who was recently awarded the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs Legislative Hero Award for supporting the Prairie Valley Family YMCA's efforts to combat obesity in Elgin.
In 2006, the YMCA launched "Activate Elgin," an initiative to encourage the residents of Elgin to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The award is designed to recognize and honor state policy makers who have gone beyond the call of duty to support their local YMCA.
Fifty-two Illinois YMCAs are allowed to submit nominations, but only two legislators are selected for the award each year.
"Senator Noland has been a strong supporter of the YMCA's commitment to reducing obesity and related health conditions in Elgin, said Rick Reigner, president and CEO of the Prairie Valley YMCA.
"He has worked hard to provide the YMCA with funding to sustain our work."