ECC Project Backpack school supply giveaway set for Saturday
Project Backpack, a community-based school supply giveaway event, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, in the Building J Spartan Events Center and outside Building C on the campus of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive.
Now in its 15th year, Project Backpack distributes backpacks filled with school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one backpack per student, according to a news release.
Students who provide proof of residence for fall 2024 enrollment in school districts U-46, 300, 301, 303 and 20 or at ECC are eligible.
For more information, go to project-backpack.org or call 847-214-7370.
City of Elgin holding Wing Park concept plan viewing Thursday
The Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public viewing of its proposed Wing Park concept plan from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Wing Park bandshell.
Residents can offer their feedback on the proposal, which was created based on previously gathered survey information that reflects the community’s needs and desires, a news release said.
“As part of the adopted 2023 Master Plan, we are improving amenities within Wing Park with the help of the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant,” according to online information.
For more information, call 847-531-7000 or go to elginIl.gov/wingpark.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency presentation in South Elgin
An information session with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency hosted by state Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the South Elgin Public Works Building, 1000 Bowes Road.
The presentation will cover state and regional emergency management policies and procedures, according to a news release. Emergency situations to be discussed include natural, manmade or technological disasters, severe weather events, hazards and acts of terrorism.
For more information, call 630-797-5530 or go to repugaste.com.
Side Street Studio Arts holding arts, crafts and oddities fair
Side Street Studio Arts Area 22 fine arts, crafts and oddities fair will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, along Riverside Drive in downtown Elgin.
The free festival will feature an artist exhibition and sale, live art and sculpture making, food and drink vendors, and family entertainment, according to its webpage.
“Side Street Studio Arts invites you to participate in the first of this one of a kind event in downtown Elgin,” the announcement said. “For those who can remember, think of AREA 22 as Art and Soul on The Fox meets Next Wave, a mix of the traditional fine-art fair concept with a generous dusting of the eclectic and avant garde.”
For more information, go to www.sidestreetstudioarts.org/area22.
Elgin Heritage Commission’s downtown car show set for Sunday
The Elgin Heritage Commission’s second annual downtown car, truck and motorcycle show will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, in the parking lot north of Festival Park at 132 S. Grove Ave.
Registration to enter a vehicle is $15, according to an event Facebook post. The show is open to all makes and models. Entries will be judged by The Rolling Devils Car Club.
The event is free to attend. The Cesaroni BBQ food truck will be there selling food and beverages.
For more information, email jpcarshows@gmail.com.
Historical society presentation looks at life as it was a century ago
A presentation entitled “How It Was Done Then/How It Is Done Now” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, outside the Dundee Township Historical Society, 426 Highland Ave., West Dundee.
The interactive event for all ages will feature tools, farm implements and household items used in the late 1800s and early 1900s and compare them with the tools we use today, according to the society’s website.
Attendees can test their skills at boring a hole using a 1890s drill press, sawing a log with an old-fashioned saw, wringing out freshly washed clothes using a hand crank wringer and churning butter.
There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted. For more information, call 847-428-6996 or email dths@sbcglobal.net.
South Elgin Back to School Bash being held at Panton Mill Park
The South Elgin Parks and Recreation Department’s “Back to School Bash” will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, in Panton Mill Park, 9 N. Water St.
Family-friendly attractions offered from 4 to 6:30 p.m. will include face painting, inflatables, community organization booths and concessions, according to the South Elgin website. The event will conclude with a concert by Jeff’s Invention, a classic rock cover band, from 7:15 to 9 p.m.
For more information, call 847-622-0003.
