Holiday by the tracks

Event returns traditions to downtown Elgin

Downtown Elgin glimmered and transformed Saturday for this year’s Holiday by the Tracks, a full day of festive shopping and activities capped by the annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

The celebration began early Dec. 6 at Veterans Memorial Park, where local makers and food vendors opened the Christmas Bazaar before sunrise. By midday, families drifted between the bazaar, library events and downtown shops, adding to what Chamber of Commerce President Heather Bloom described as a joyful start to the season.