Elgin July 4 fireworks canceled
Independence Day fireworks are still on for almost all cities in the area this year, but Elgin has canceled this year’s fireworks show because of budget problems.
Last year, the city spent $60,000 on fireworks, which seems to have been the third largest display in the region (Chicago was tops of course, spending $131,000, followed by Itasca at $70,000). Whether we got the third largest display or we just got ripped off, I don’t know. But I do think it’s outrageous that such an important event that people look forward to all year is going to be canceled.
Keep in mind that the city council somehow found more than $700,000–enough for 12 years of fireworks–to support the Chicago Bandits softball team. And if we spent closer in line to what other cities are spending on fireworks, say $30,000, then that would have been enough for 24 years of fireworks.
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Money to fund the traditional celebratory elements of an unhyphenated American holiday might be a bit tight at the moment for reasons beyond the costs of our own Chicago Bribing Skunks softball team.
The City Council’s April 29 Agenda contains an item calling for a $44,000 interest-free City loan to bail the Hispanic Heritage Coalition out of its Fiesta Salsa debacle from last year and “to facilitate the continued operations of HHC…” Did that loan pass? Well, it’s hard to think of anything more central to our quality of life than facilitating the continued operations of our beloved Hispanic Heritage Coalition. Oddly, though, the City hasn’t yet posted the minutes for that meeting.
Forty-four thousand dollars could support a decent fireworks display. But I’m sure we can all agree that the City should not sacrifice any opportunity for ethnic pandering just to fund something as trivial and jingoistic as fireworks in honor of America’s independence. And if some sort of blazing display is necessary for July Fourth in Elgin, perhaps the City should invite Bill Ayers back and let him and his Kiwanis buddies burn some American flags in Festival Park. With the 40th anniversary of Woodstock coming up, the City and DNA could draw a pretty good crowd of the region’s aging Boomer dopers and peaceniks to a “Progressive and Sustainable Fourth.” Groooovy. Peace and love, man…
Very sad that the DNA & city can sponsor Cinco de Mayo festivals (which reinforce the bad repuatation of Elgin to other neighboring towns) but can’t put on a fire works display for America’s independance day….
I had thought Elgin wouldn’t have paid anything for last year’s fireworks fiasco. Please tell me the City of Elgin did not pay the company that utterly absolutely failed to perform the service it was contracted for. Please tell me so that I’m not AGAIN completely overwhelmed by disgust with the incompetence and corruption within the governance of the City of Elgin.
the good news is that the Bandits have fireworks every friday homegame… so not only can you see it July 17, but also two times in August. And last season they put on quite a fireworks show, so I’m expecting similar this season…
Bandits? Oh, you mean Elgin’s own little cesspool of corruption “Bribing Skunks” (love that name, rm).
No answer on whether City of Elgin actually paid for last year’s fireworks fiasco non-performance! The few who might know ain’t saying which most probably answers the question in the affirmative.
so tell me, how did/do you feel about the Elgin Racers, or the possible handball expansion into our city?
Or how about the fact that builders are building super nice condos and homes by the casino that aren’t being bought/filled because they cost to much for the area? things/events thats attract people to the area can only try to help the “beautification” process that is going on in the downtown area… does the city/it’s residents deserve a beautified downtown area?
it’s making our city better, it just takes time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, or however the saying goes… yah the Bandits have some struggles right now, but what business isn’t struggling these days? Even the Chicago Whitesox have reported massive attendance drops, and what about the casino?
I’m sure the money for the Bandits fireworks is coming from sponsorships they got, and from going to a game last year I was quite impressed with the show. Have you ventured over there yet?
Go Elgin :)
The Bandits promised MANY bars and restaurants in Elgin patronage for sponsorship… there are only 3 home games left and they have YET to be found in any of the downtown bars/restaurants that paid $1800 a piece!! They have no loyalty to the city of Elgin… they will have a hard time finding sponsors next year! VERY DISAPPOINTED!!
I completely agree that there should be a true 4th of July celebration, but I don’t think we can blame the Bandits or any other organizations (multicultrual or not) for the short comings of the Elgin city boards, etc… and according to their website (just checked chicagobandits.com) there are three HOME STANDS (5 games each) left in the season that lasts till mid/end of august, not three games.
The beautification process would be nice, but the money should go elsewhere first… can anyone say potholes? Elgin has some of the worst roads I’ve ever driven on
Yes potholes!…one on Foothill Road rite beffore Randall where it winds..had to fix my whole front end on my Chrysler,funny thing is that was years ago & it’s still there!
Potholes everywhere..amognst other things
I, for one, am very happy they cancelled the fireworks this year. Last year was such a horrible experience, they need to take the time to select a new vendor and re-think their entire approach!
Haven’t they had a whole year to do that though?
That’s a great point. I think a couple things are working here against the “whole year to fix it” theory.
First, I think our new City Manager, Sean Stegall, is making a point to Elgin’s vendors that incompetence shall not be rewarded. Since he was recently promoted, the decision was necessarily done late.
Second, I would be inclined to believe the contract Elgin signed with the Vendor would have been more harder to get out of if we wanted to switch vendors instead of cancelling the program.
Really, Todd, Really? You can really speak intelligently about a contract the City of Elgin has with a vendor that you know nothing about? Are you a lawyer who specializes in contract law?
Also, way to make a point to vendors - screw the residents of Elgin out of a celebration for our Independence Day.
What a shame that Elgin could not manage to uphold a long time tradition that dated back to Wing Park when we were kids. America’s Independence should be held more precious than everyday sports celebrations. I have been away from Elgin now for over 20 some years and it is sad to see that the traditions we enjoyed are slowly fading away.
Well said Robert……Were workin on gettin out of this town too,only area I can afford though.
You been gone 20 years…you would not believe what has happened to Elgin.
Not happy to say I live her anymore.
Denise moving slightly west isn’t all that bad. Houses get cheaper….and cleaner!
I agree with rm’s response. What a joke! I would like a printed story in either of the local newspapers on which city leaders voted against the fireworks and their reasons for doing it. I would also like to see of list of some of there earmark spending for things that dont need to be done. I guess they can put tollbooths on Randall Road this year to collect money for next years display, but then they would probably use it for some other ethnic group. Come on city leaders this is a NATIONAL HOLIDAY, the BIGGEST ONE. I have lived in Elgin for 54 years and I guess we will go to some other Patriotic City and spend my money and have a good time. What kind of message does it send?
I am with the city on this one—why blow anymore of our tax dollars up in the sky? Don’t worry, there will be plenty of fireworks in the surrounding communities to make sure we all get our patriotic lung full of carcinogens this week.
Scott - you have to be kidding me right? The point behind the canceling of the fireworks isn’t related to A:) last years debacle, or B:) wasting tax dollars. The point is the board approved the funds for the Cinco De Mayo celebration, which in case you don’t know your history, is Mexico’s Independence Day. I’m all for supporting the various cultures we have in our city, but to celebrate another country’s Independence Day over the country Elgin resides in shows a complete lack of integrity and intelligence. Now, if both events had been canceled, fine. But if you only had the funds to support 1 event this year, you don’t choose to celebrate another country’s independence. And this isn’t meant to be a slam on the Hispanic community in Elgin. I can appreciate wanting to celebrate your Heritage. But last time I checked, this is America. And in America, we recognize July 4th, 1776, and every year there after as our country’s Declaration of Independence. If you weren’t born and raised here, yet choose to live here, I’m sorry, but to me that means you’ve made a choice to be an American first and foremost. Never forget where you came from, but never forget where you are either.
No city dollars went directly to Cinco De Mayo-anything.
City dollars go to the Downtown Neighborhood Association as a general rule. They put the Cinco De-whatever on.
Sid,
Obviously you do not know your history. Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s independence day. It is not even a federal holiday in Mexico and is only voluntarily celebrated regionally. It is a celebration of the Mexican army victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. A victory over the French is hardly something to celebrate. Mexican independence day is September 16th. That being said, that almost makes it worse that we celebrated a small regional unofficial holiday of another country over our own independence day.
lol. Reminds me of an eBay auction for a French WWII rifle: “Like New - Dropped Once, Never Fired”
This is eloquently put. I wouldn’t have said it this nice. thank you!
The city is blowing all sorts of money on downtown beautification projects. Yes it does look nice, but is it really necessary to have brick pavers on street corners and crosswalks. I think it’s pretty silly to do something like this in these economic times as well. I guess I just think it’s a sad statement that the fireworks are not happening this year, especially when some of the much smaller communities are going forward with it.
This is a shame. I came all the way from NC. to relax and chill with the family and have a cook out and then at night see the Elgin fireworks. i AM Mexican and im not racist to myself but they had the cinco de mayo festival, it would be a shame to have that and not celebrate our own independence of the USA.
I like the way you put that :)
hopefully this year things will be better.
Some of you mention the downtown “beautification” projects. I have had reservations about some of this myself, but the monies for this are generally TIF funds, I believe, and must be spent within the TIF district. Is it the best way to spend the TIF money? Probably not, but however they spend it, it must be spent within the downtown TIF district.
I just heard this news from WGN radio and am very angry about the decision to cancel the Elgin firework/Independence celebration. I called the City & with someone who has heard from many Elginites who are also angry. She said that the City Manager’s office, working with the Board, made this decision. My question for her was: at any time was this budget line item deletion brough before the Elgin public for a vote, consideration or consensus? No, it was not. This year is a foregone conclusion, however, the Board should know how it’s citizens feel. I plan on attending the open/public portion of the next City Hall meeting on July 8th at 7:00 p.m. If there is anyone who would like to join me, please feel free.
This is ridiculous and unfortunate! However, I disagree with canceling other events to spite this botchery. If budget constraints were the cause, smaller surrounding communities and the City of Elgin could have pooled resources to have a shared patriotic display. Or the City of Elgin could have cut the budgets slightly for each event throughout the year-including the wine fest. This appears to be either poor planning or political silliness. Either way what a disappoint that our tax dollars do not go towards one major holiday and a day of fun! Did they cancel the parade too?
Also, a response to the prior comments; diversity is a strength and attracts visitors rather than turning them off. When I commuted to work from Elgin to the Itasca area, I realized the beauty of our community due to our vast diversity. Everything from our events to our choice of food stems from our diversity. Without it we would be really boring!
Hi Patty,
As far as I know, the parade is still on:
http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2355908/
Does anybody know what the best option is now for fireworks?
Diversity? There’s no diversity in Elgin. It’s this mexican store, and that mexican store….and don’t forget the signs written in SPANISH! OMG! And the schools?!?! DOn’t forget the patriotism that Larkin High showed a few years back! Do you think they celebrate OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY in mexico? I DON”T THINK SO! And to think that cinco de mayo was celebrated in Elgin and NOT our, the United STates of America’s Independence Day. I’m truely glad that I moved from this city…..it’s a shame to think that Elgin USED to be such a beautiful city. To see the DIVERSITY that is taking over is now…….sad.
I understand were you are coming about, Elgin has had bad situation with gangs, no they do not celebrate USA independence day in mexico. But that is what is unique about America, because there are a lot of diversities. our ancestors came from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Asia, they all migrated at different times. And it was the souths turn. Not all Mexicans are bad some are good people, its just like any other American, some are good and some are bad, but we should never judge an ethnic group overall, just because of a bad Mexican, or Asian, or Greek, etc.
- The USA is made of immigrants, we are immigrants.
I tried calling to complain but Barbara at the City Of Elgin who is suppose to handle this, does not pick up her phone and she does not have an answering machine. I’m usually able to see them from my home but this year i’ll have to go to St. Charles. I heard they have a nice display.
Rather ashame as so many do look forward to the celebration. It will leave many with a bland ending to the day that we celebrate our country’s independence.
Elgin is filled with mexicans. Why should Elgin celebrate our american traditions if Elgin is 90 % illegal aliens from mexico. Elgin should be asshamed of themselves.
I would have to agree with this one. Everywhere you turn! You can’t beautify the city of Elgin……it’s too dirty a town. You won’t get people to move into the city until you clean it out. It’s again….truely ashame that the city allowed itself to get this bad. I cringe when I hear the city’s name anymore and that I was once a resident…..
Not quite, Mr.
Not all mexicans are here illegally, not every brown skinn person you see is MEXICAN, there are chilenos, guatemaltecos, hondureños, puertoriqueños, and argentinians. Not everyone is mexican. Elgin has prosperred because of the caucasian community, and the Hispanic community. If you dont like this town maybe you should leave, because apperently the mexicans arent going anywhere.
Even if our City Council failed us, the sounds around my Elgin neighborhood indicate that private initiative is supplying at least some pyrotechnical celebration of our nation’s independence.
It’s not the sunniest day, but I hope everyone is having a happy Fourth.
Yes, there were plenty of fireworks in Elgin. Problem: fireworks not centrally located for public viewing. Solution: Americans love fireworks and they love sporting events - combine the two and call it ‘fireworks faceoff on the 4th’ where people can win cash prizes for the best fireworks display. Sounds like a win win win solution.
What a great country. Only in America do we celebrate independence with fireworks, outlaw fireworks, and celebrate with outlawed fireworks.
Huntley had a GREAT fireworks display. I’m going there next year even if Elgin figures itself out. I can’t wait to leave this town.
The PEOPLE of Elgin are THE BEST…but the city government can’t get out of it’s own way. They are taking this city down by trying to be like Oak Park or Evanston overnight. They are forgetting the PEOPLE of Elgin. I used to be proud to live here (have lived here for 15 years)…NO LONGER. I will miss my neighbors…but alot of them agree with me.
Were gonna leave Elgin..it is sure changing over the years I’m sure you know what I mean…..All my family left or is leaving too.
Get used to budget cuts for things that are not basic city services. The party is over as all forms of government have discovered that the retiring of the baby boomers is impacting the government revenue stream big time.
I can live without fireworks but I can’t live without police and fire protection, etc.
Common Sense Clarence Hayward
Clarence, I agree wholeheartedly… when the city is as image conscious as Elgin is (and not in a practical way)… fireworks are the LEAST of our problems. Its nice to have a pretty town to walk around in…but at whose expense??? The city fathers have mismanaged the monies from “the boat” and put their focus on the image of Elgin … not the services nor the things that would make it a good town to LIVE IN and WORK IN. Plus…they want the residents to foot the bill of their wet dream ideals with FEES and FINES. They want to attract people out here from closer into Chicago…to lure city folk out here. TO WHAT? FOR WHAT??? They keep tearing up the streets… businesses can’t take hold downtown and the ones who do are hassled. The condos they build aren’t for families…or seniors necessarily…they want double income no kids people to spend their money…ON WHAT? Live near a smelly, dirty river with no real amenities to enjoy near their over-priced multi-story condo?
Every town has growing pains…but this is more like a last ditch effort to avoid menopause.
It’s bass ackward.
“fireworks are the LEAST of our problems”
The Fireworks issue epitomizes the problem.
The July 4th fireworks aren’t in celebration of fireworks. July 4th fireworks are a symbol; as is the city of Elgin’s lack of July 4th fireworks.
That the city of Elgin spends money celebrating the country of Mexico’s independence day but not America’s independence day is the PROBLEM!
This issue is NOT about the Bandits. It is NOT about downtown “beautification” (LOL). It is NOT about police and fire security. It is about the misplaced priorities and demonstrated incompetence of the City of Elgin.
Word of advice to Elgin politicians: get in front of this before it gets behind you and steamrolls you. Too late for Shock.
I didn’t get to see the Elgin parade because I was in it, but was told that Shock took some abuse from the curb about Elgin’s lack of fireworks.
“That the city of Elgin spends money celebrating the country of Mexico’s independence day but not America’s independence day is the PROBLEM!”
I DID NOT know about this until I saw it mentioned here. This is sad. Whereas the Mexican population is a large component of Elgin’s citizenry, they should not supercede any other aspect of Elgin’s citizens or their experience.
The fireworks are just a symbol…something we could live without temporarily IF the city had the rest of its issues in order. HOWEVER….they do not and I agree wholeheartedly that the lack of fireworks are symptomatic of the crash and burn I see coming to this city.
Okay my family is Mexican and we were talking about this last year, we were wondering why there was a cinco de mayo, and not a July 4th. We totally agree with you. But everyone in this page is starting the sparks on racism. Not every Mexican in Elgin is a gang member. There are some great people like my family we been here since Kennedy was president my grandma and grandpa migrated to this country for a better life, and i wish you guys could be in our shoes. It is hard where everywhere you go people are discriminating. Please do not think that every Mexican is bad.