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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.
“It was a fun-filled day — a celebration that captured the warmth, community spirit and holiday magic of our town,” Bloom said.
Much of that energy centered on the Hot Cocoa Stroll, now a decades- old Elgin tradition. Shoppers picked up this year’s souvenir mug and visited nearly two dozen participating businesses for cocoa samples and holiday deals. The tasting competition wrapped with Chemn Cafe winning both Best Cocoa and Most Unique.
Crowds grew as the sun set and Main Street was lit by an ensemble of twinkling floats, community groups and a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Cocoa mugs warmed the hands of children excited to see the return of Ben the longhorn, and attendees stayed deep into the night for what some said was one of Elgin’s most spirited holiday showings in recent memory.
