Faced with a need to reduce expenses, the City of Elgin scaled back events this year but still worked to offer entertaining options for residents, families and guests. (See the City's Special Events website for complete details.)

“Some difficult decisions were made this year and some residents were disappointed,” said Sue Olafson, Elgin’s Public Information Officer.  “But events or activities that were reduced or eliminated this year will be reconsidered again for 2010.”


Eliminated this year were Ribfest, Balloon Fest and the 4th of July Fireworks.  

“The fireworks were eliminated because of funding but also because of the construction work that is taking place out at the Sports Complex where the fireworks are typically held,” said Olafson.  “There were logistic problems about just where to host 4th of July fireworks and we believed that since fireworks would also be had at FoxFireFest, we could forgo them this year.”

There is still a wide array of City-sponsored activities and events the summer including:

• 32nd Annual Valley Fox Trot, May 25
• Elgin Fish for Fun, June 6
• Family Day at The Centre, June 27
• Tuesday Evening Concerts in the Park, Wing Park, July 7-28
• U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America Free Concert, Wing Park, August 18
• Sunday Concerts at Lords Park, July 12-July 26
• FoxFireFest, August 1 & 2