Participate in judging decorated windows

During the holiday break, take a walk throughout downtown Elgin to check out the 20-plus decorated windows that are involved in the 2007 Window Wonderland competition, and vote for your favorite.

The window theme this year is "Holidays from the Past, Present and Future." To vote or drop off your ballots before Dec, 31, go to one of the following locations: Downtown Neighborhood Association, 2 Douglas Ave.; Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.; Al's Cafe and Creamery, 43 DuPage Court; Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court; Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way; and Elgin Jewelers, 11 N. State St.

The windows have already been judged by a panel of four judges on Dec. 1 for creativity, theme, and appeal. It's time for you to agree with them or to override their vote for first- and second-place in the business, open, and student categories. The winners will be notified in early January and presented their prizes at the Jan. 23 Elgin City Council meeting.

For details, call the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 or go to www.downtownelgin.org.