Elgin’s annual Fourth of July Parade marking milestones
Submitted by DNA of Elgin
The 2013 city of Elgin Fourth of July Parade — Presented by Advocate Sherman Hospital steps off at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 4, at Slade and Douglas avenues.
With more than 105 confirmed parade units, more than 100 vehicles and 25 floats, and 2,000 walkers participating, the expected crowd of 10,000-15,000 parade enthusiasts are in for a show at Elgin’s annual summertime rite of passage.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Elgin Marching Through Time,” a timeline-based, community celebration of the individuals and organizations who have contributed to Elgin’s rich history as well as an acknowledgment of the landmark anniversaries several area businesses and groups are celebrating.
The parade’s distinguished judging panel, consisting of Elgin’s ghostly historic forefathers from the Elgin Area Historical Society’s annual Cemetery Walk, will name the winner in each of the categories. Winning entries will receive award plaques as well as recognition at a July Elgin City Council meeting.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Representatives from the Elgin Woman’s Club, the organization that was instrumental in bringing Sherman Hospital to the Elgin community, will serve as this year’s parade grand marshals.
This year’s parade will feature the Jesse White Tumblers; Medinah Motor Corps; Green Thunder Percussion; The Drumline; Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl; Pro Dance Elite; Chicago Metropolitan Brass Ensemble; Elgin, Larkin and South Elgin high school marching bands; Kane County Mounted Rangers, Matt Wilhelm’s Next Level BMX Bikers and more.
Before the parade steps off, dozens of pretty and patriotic pooches will be putting their best paws forward in the third annual Kountry Pet Resort Pooch Parade, which begins at 8:30 a.m. at Ann Street and Douglas Avenue.
Just before the national anthem, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, Elgin city Councilman John Steffen in the role of President Abraham Lincoln will deliver a re-enactment reading of this legendary speech to the crowd assembled at the front of the parade route at Slade and Douglas avenues.
The national anthem will be performed by Jeorge Holmes at the front of the parade route, and by a quartet of Elgin OPERA singers near the end of the parade route at Symphony and Douglas avenues.
Members of the delegation from Cauquenes, Chile, Elgin’s Sister City, will also be walking with the city of Elgin’s entry in the parade.
The parade route begins at the intersection of Slade and Douglas avenues, proceeds south on Douglas through the NorthEast Neighborhood Association, into the heart of downtown Elgin, and ends at the intersection of Highland and Douglas avenues.
Jeff Myers and Elgin city Councilman John Prigge will provide play-by-play of the entire parade from their broadcast position in front of the Elgin Police Department. The parade will be rebroadcast throughout the month of July on Channel 17. Kyle Bault will serve as on-site parade announcer over the loudspeakers for parade goers gathered around the performing area near the end of the parade route.
There is still plenty of time to sign up to serve as a volunteer, including block captains, parade route ambassadors and setup and takedown crews. Shifts are from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. All volunteers will receive a parade T-shirt and free breakfast at the volunteer orientation beginning at 6 a.m. For information about parade volunteer opportunities, contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 or email downtownelgin@gmail.com.
In addition, the Elgin Harvest Market — Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System will be open for business on Thursday, July 4, with special hours from 9 a.m. to noon at 200 N. Grove Ave. Parade parking will not be permitted in the Harvest Market parking lot. For details, visit www.ElginHarvestMarket.com.
Danny’s Pizza on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave., will host an outdoor concert extravaganza featuring the super hero inspired band, The Super Suits. They will also be open during the parade with pizza and pop available for sale to parade goers.
Later that evening, the community is invited to enjoy a huge fireworks display with live musical soundtrack provided by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra from 9 to 10 p.m. at the Northwest FourthFest, the local Fourth of July celebration, at Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates.
The city of Elgin, Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the Fourth of July Parade Committee wish to thank the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsor — Advocate Sherman Hospital; Red Level Sponsor — Alexian Brothers Health System; White Level Sponsors — BMO Harris Bank, Chase, John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc., Sam’s Club; Blue Level Sponsors — Armida and Joe Dominguez, Danny’s Pizza on Douglas, Davey Tree Experts, Elgin Academy, Elgin Community College, Judson University, Lamp Inc., PLS Loan Store, Spring Hill Gymnastics, Redmon’s Towing, Waste Management; and Community Level — Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy.
Join the parade
This year, all Fourth of July parade entries were invited to decorate their parade units to reflect a historic time period for the panel of judges to score alongside all 2013 parade floats. First- to third-place winners will be named from each of the judging categories. Winning entries will receive award plaques plus recognition at an upcoming Elgin City Council meeting. There is still time for your parade unit to participate; contact the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or email downtownelgin@gmail.com.
The Golden Era (Pre-1900s to World War II):
Pre-1900s: American Indian Center/Trickster Gallery, Gail Borden Public Library, Fox Valley Libertarian Party, Elgin History Museum, and Elgin Police/Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
1900-1920s: ABODE and Fox Valley Chapter of the Model T Ford Club International Inc.
1930-1940s: Elgin Lions Club, Redmons Towing and Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl.
Back to the Future (1950s-The Future):
1950-1960s: West Suburban Shrine Club Roaring 57s;
1970-1980s: St. Johns Lutheran School and Church, Raging Waves Waterpark, Rescue Warriors Corp, Elgin Youth Football League, and PLS Loan Store
1990-Present: Spring Hill Gymnastics, Elgin Medi-Transport Inc., Dannys Pizza on Douglas, and South Elgin High School Band and Dance Team
The Future: First Congregational Church of Elgin, Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy, Elgin Parent Co-op School and Dance It Off with Kim.
Parking
The following streets in downtown Elgin will be closed to vehicle traffic from approximately 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4 for the Elgin Fourth of July Parade.
Vehicles parked along these streets after 6 a.m. will be towed: Kimball Street from Dundee Avenue to North Grove Avenue; Douglas Avenue from River Bluff Road to East Chicago Street; Highland Avenue from Spring Street to North Grove Avenue; and Symphony from Douglas Avenue to Spring Street.
The following streets in the adjacent NENA neighborhood will be closed for staging and for the parade route from 6 a.m. to noon. No parked cars will be allowed on these streets during this time and driveway access will be limited beginning at 6 a.m. at North Grove Avenue from Kimball Street to River Bluff Road; Brook Street from Kimball Street to River Bluff Road; River Bluff Road from Spring Street to North Grove Avenue; and Douglas Avenue from River Bluff Road to Chicago Street.
Parking will be allowed on the east-west streets between Spring Street and North Grove Avenue though access will be very limited from 9 to 11 a.m. while the parade is in progress.