Applications, fees for Fourth of July Parade due May 28
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is now accepting applications for parade entrants, parade sponsors and booth sponsors for the city of Elgin's 2010 Fourth of July Parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenue on Saturday, July 3 (due to the Fourth falling on a Sunday this year).
Applications are now available at downtownelgin.com or at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Completed entrant or sponsor applications along with any applicable fees must be submitted to DNA by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 28.
Every year, the DNA and the city of Elgin try to make the parade more entertaining and visually appealing, so if you plan to participate as an entrant, please make every effort to submit a high quality entry. The parade fee is $100 for businesses and political groups; there is no fee for nonprofit organizations.
The theme of this year's parade is "Summer in the City!" Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by submitting a parade entry that tells the story of the city - its rich history, exciting present, and prosperous future. In addition to the regular parade float judging, a special "175th Anniversary Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of Elgin's rich history and a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.
Groups, organizations or businesses can also help to present the parade for our community while gaining exposure by becoming a parade sponsor. Sponsors are included on all marketing and promotions prior to the parade and given special recognition on parade day, depending on their level of investment. Parade sponsors may also be parade participants, and must fill out both the parade application and the sponsor commitment form. Sponsorship is available at levels of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more. Booth sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that are not able to commit the time or staff to submit a parade entry. For details, contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA promotions coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.
More than 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured more than 130 units, 30 floats and 2,500 participants and took more than 75 volunteers to coordinate. The Parade Committee is also actively seeking volunteers for this year's parade. The time commitment is approximately 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and a free T-shirt. To learn more, contact Sue Shipyor at the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.