Stanley Cup coming to Elk Grove Village on Saturday

For the first time in history, Elk Grove Village's hometown parade will be graced by actual royalty, proclaimed Mayor Craig Johnson at Tuesday night's board meeting.

The lifelong Blackhawks fan was referring to Lord Stanley's Cup, of course, which will be honored with its own float during the parade.

The parade will step off at 6 p.m. Saturday from Elk Grove Boulevard and Tonne Road.

The Stanley Cup will ride with Johnson, village trustees and Blackhawks team president John McDonough. However, it won't be accompanied by Blackhawks players.

Johnson thanked McDonough, a 25-year village resident, for picking Elk Grove's parade for what could very likely be the last public appearance of the Cup in the Northwest suburbs.

"The idea of having this Cup go through our village is a big source of pride," Johnson said. "We have no idea what kind of crowds to expect, but we're excited. People are going to get a good view of it compared to what they have seen."

Village public works crews are building a special float for the Cup, and officials are working on security plans for its safe passage through town.

Johnson said the Cup's presence at the parade should help boost attendance at the village's RotaryFest, which begins today and runs through Sunday on grounds off Lions Drive between Elk Grove High School and Rainbow Falls.

It is the Elk Grove Rotary's annual fundraising event benefiting charitable causes in the village, within the United States and worldwide.

Spectators are asked to arrive early to stake a spot along the parade route for the Cup viewing.

"We wish to thank the NHL and the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, especially Chairman Rocky Wirtz and Blackhawks team president John McDonough for allowing Elk Grove the prestigious honor of displaying the Lord Stanley Cup to the public," Johnson said.

For more information about RotaryFest, visit elkgroverotary.com.

Cup: Rotary Fest ends Sunday