Pet parade to kick off Elgin’s annual Fourth of July celebration
Before the annual Fourth of July Parade, the city of Elgin is hosting its first Pet Parade at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4. It will start at Douglas Avenue near Ann Street, head south on Douglas Avenue, and conclude at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court.
After the pet parade, there will be a Pet Parade Donation Extravaganza at city hall. Special guests from Dogtopia of South Elgin will be present, and all donations will benefit Anderson Humane. Go to ahconnects.org/wish-list/ for this list for donations that are needed for the animal shelter.
The Pet Parade grand marshal will be determined by a social media contest. This contest will take place on the City of Elgin's Facebook page. Check the page frequently for updates!
“The First Official Supreme Chancellor of The Elgin Midwest 4th of July Pet Parade Grand Marshal” will be awarded with a donated prize from Dogtopia and Critters Pet Shop.
The annual Elgin Fourth of July Parade steps off promptly at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Slade and Douglas avenues and ends at Douglas Avenue and Division Street, near city hall. Seating is available along Douglas Avenue in the public right of way from Slade Avenue to the end of the parade route. The parade will end at approximately 11 a.m.
The celebration will continue at Festival Park with music, food trucks, drinks, children's activities, photo opportunities, tabletop games, a pie-eating contest (sponsored by Paul's Family Restaurant), and a spectacular fireworks display. This event is free and open to the public.
Second Hand Soul will open the celebration, performing from 5 to 6 p.m. at the park, 132 S. Grove Ave. in Elgin. It will be followed by iPop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and American Vinyl All Star Band from 8:30 to 10 p.m.
The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:20 p.m. and last 15-20 minutes.
Road closures and parking
All parking in downtown Elgin is free. Besides the ample amount of street parking, there is plenty of free parking in lots and decks throughout the downtown area. For a full map, go to elginil.gov/1852/Parking-in-Elgin.
• Centre parking garage at the corner of Symphony Way and Douglas Avenue
• Spring Street garage at the corner of Spring Street and Highland Avenue
• Fulton Street garage at the corner of Fulton and Spring streets
• Gail Borden Public Library lot will be open (parking will be restricted)
Road closure preparations begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, with soft road closures on Douglas Avenue (only local traffic allowed). At 7 a.m. on July 4, there will be a hard road closure on Douglas Avenue.
Cars parked on the following streets on July 4 after 6 a.m. will be towed: North Grove Avenue, from Kimball Street to River Bluff Road; Brook Street from Kimball Street to River Bluff Road; River Bluff Road from Spring Street to North Grove Avenue; and Douglas Avenue from River Bluff Road to Chicago Street.
For questions, contact the Elgin 311 Contact Center by calling 311 or email specialevents@cityofelgin.org.