New statue in Elgin's Festival Park

The public is invited to join The Riverfront Action Committee at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Festival Park for the dedication of a new statue in the park. The event will commemorate the installation of the statue, entitled "Best of Friends", which was made possible by a donation from the Elgin Enrichment Series. The bronze statue depicts two children running and playing together.

For more than 10 years, The Elgin Enrichment Series provided the community with an annual speakers bureau, bringing such noted speakers as Bill Kurtis, Edward Asner and Roger Ebert for Elgin residents to enjoy. Early supporters of the Enrichment Series included First Community Bank, Shales-McNutt, Burnidge-Cassell, Hoffer Plastics, IHC Construction, Provena St. Joseph Hospital and the City of Elgin. In addition, more than 150 charter members helped fund the series in the opening years.

When The Elgin Enrichment Series disbanded the Enrichment Series board donated their remaining fund to the not-for-profit Riverfront Action Committee to bring the "Best of Friends" statue to the park for the enjoyment of the general public.

"We deeply appreciate the generous donation the Elgin Enrichment Series has made to Festival Park. The thousands of children and families who come to the park will enjoy this beautiful statue for many years to come" said Riverfront Action Committee Chairperson, Jack Shales. Donations for other park amenities are available through the Riverfront Action Committee, including commemorative bricks, trees and benches along the riverfront. Order forms are available at City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, or can be downloaded from the City of Elgin Web site at cityofelgin.org.