Wellness grant winners will be announced at Saturday walk

It's only a mile, but Elgin leaders hope it can be a new start toward a lifetime of fitness and healthy living habits for some.

Activate Elgin, a YMCA-led coalition to help Elginites eat better and live active lifestyles, will hold its third annual "Elgin on the Move" on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Beginning at 9 a.m., the event is a one-mile walk from Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., north to Walton Island and back.

Rick Reigner, president and CEO of the Greater Elgin Area YMCA, said organizers expect more than 300 people to participate.

"It's raising awareness about the state of our community's health," he said. "If you can walk a mile once and find it enjoyable and not too taxing, why not make it part of your lifestyle?"

After the walk, organizers will hold a wellness fair for consultations and

Zumba demonstrations, martial arts demonstrations, interactive games, kids craft activities, storytelling, face painting, free giveaways and more.

Jeff Turner from In the Neighborhood Deli in Elgin also will provide a cooking demonstration.

The first 200 people in attendance will receive free goody bags and event T-shirts. Refreshments such as water, bagels and fruit, will be available.

Also Saturday, YMCA leaders will announce the winners of 40 grants of $1,000 each spread across four categories: faith-based groups, schools, businesses and neighborhood/community organizations. The YMCA was looking for sustainable programs that can be renewed year after year through community sponsorships, things like jump rope clubs and healthy cooking seminars for parents.

The mini-grants were made possible through a grant from the Kane County Health Department and 67 groups applied.

For details about the walk or wellness fair, call (847) 888-7410 or visit activateelgin.org.