The City of Elgin will celebrate the Fourth of July a bit differently this year.
The traditional Fourth of July Parade will not be held, but alternative activities have been planned to engage the community and promote traditions of the holiday. Those activities include a “What Fourth of July Means to Me” home and business decorating contest as well as a kids bike decorating contest, both occurring July 1-11. A fireworks display at Festival Park will be presented on Sunday, July 4. Unlike previous years’ events, the fireworks display will not have any supporting entertainment or other amenities, as pandemic conditions earlier in the year prohibited planning.
What Fourth of July Means to Me – Home and Business Decorating Contest
Whether it’s gathering with close friends and family, having a barbecue, embracing your neighbors or celebrating a cause, Fourth of July can have a different meaning to different people. This year, residents and businesses can showcase “What Fourth of July Means to Me” by participating in the decorating contest.
Those interested in participating should sign up at cityofelgin.org/4thofjulycontest by June 23. Homes and businesses must be decorated by June 25 to be photographed and listed on a public map. From July 1-11, residents and visitors to Elgin can walk, bike or drive around town to see the themed homes and businesses and vote for their favorites. Separate categories for residential and business offer different prizes to those with the most votes. Residential participants can win up to $500 to either Home Depot, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Ace Hardware or Menards. Business participants can win up to $500 in marketing support. Voting will close on July 11 with the winners announced on July 18.
What Fourth of July Means to Me – Kids Bike Decorating Contest
Bike decoration kits are available for Elgin kids to adorn their bikes (strollers, wagons and scooters acceptable, too) for the Fourth of July and participate in a citywide virtual contest. To be eligible for prizes, participants must have pictures taken and uploaded to social media with #bikefourth by July 11 (make sure the post setting is set to “public”).
Elgin Community Bikes will award first, second and third place winners, along with up to 10 honorable mentions. The first place winner of the bike decoration contest will win a gift certificate to one of the many weeklong summer camps being offered by the City’s parks and recreation department. The second place winner will receive 5 pool passes and a $15 gift card to one of the following local establishments: Cook’s Sweet Boutique, Mama Lee’s Popcorn or Fanny’s Thai Rolled Ice Cream. The third place winner will receive five pool passes and up to 10 honorable mentions will receive a $15 gift card to one of the businesses listed above. Winners will be announced on July 18.
Bike decoration kits will be available for pickup at the various locations beginning Saturday, June 19. Locations and details will be posted at cityofelgin.org/july4.
Fourth of July Fireworks Display
Elgin is presenting a Fourth of July fireworks display at Festival Park on Sunday, July 4. Unlike previous years’ events, this summer’s fireworks display will not have any supporting entertainment or other amenities. This event will simply be an opportunity for persons to gather in Festival Park and other nearby locations for viewing. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin between 9:15-9:30 p.m. and will be lasting 20-30 minutes.
