Elgin’s Ribfest on Memorial Day

Although I don’t eat ribs, I still checked out Ribfest on Monday. Check out my photos and videos! Also, click here to check out Ape of Wrath’s set of photos from the Fox Trot that went on earlier that morning.

Here are kids playing in the water at Festival Park:

Here’s a quick scan of the crowd:

Here are kids riding on a fun train:

Tags: beer, clown, drinks, Elgin, Festival Park, food, fountain, IL, Illinois, kids, Memorial Day, music, park, Ribfest, ribs, train, video, water, youtube
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Pretend this was in Villa Verone review post.

Tags: Elgin, food, Illinois, Italian, jazz, music, restaurant, Villa Verone, youtube
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Walk & Roll!

The Walk & Roll was a great time! I had never been on an organized bike ride before this (unless you count Critical Mass). I was expecting a lane to be blocked off on some of the roads, but I guess maybe that is only for rides with more participants? Either way, fun time. I’ve participated in fund raisers for cancer research before, but this one was so much more meaningful because one of my family members is dealing with cancer right now.

This is a video I took before the ride, just scoping out the scene when Ronald McDonald showed up. That confused me–doesn’t McDonald’s probably contribute to cancer?

This is a video of people doing karate in Festival Park after the ride.

Pretty bridges on the South Elgin portion of the Fox River Trail.

The Kickstands raised over $2,000–amazing! Feel free to click the link and join us sometime.

Tags: American Cancer Society, bikes, cancer, Elgin, Festival Park, fun, Illinois, karate, martial arts, rollerblade, videos, walk, Walk & Roll, youtube
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Students, get help with StoryTube!

Remember when I wrote about Gail Borden’s video book review contest, and how I hoped they would provide cameras for those who don’t own one? Well, they are! Today!

Students in first through sixth grades are invited to visit Gail Borden Public Library from noon to 2 p.m. today to get help taping and uploading StoryTubes entries. The StoryTubes contest is about describing your favorite book on a YouTube video, with chances to win $500 in books. Participants should bring the book they want to talk about or locate it at the library, plus any props they want to use. A parent must be present to give permission. Taping will take place in the South Story Room off the Youth Services corridor of the library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

Tags: Books, children, contest, Elgin, Gail Borden Public Library, Illinois, kids, StoryTube, video, youtube
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Kickstands’ Initiation Ride.

Last Saturday was the Kickstands’ initiation ride. It was awesome. The Kickstands are an Elgin bike gang started by one of my friends–click here for our myspace page. (Click here to support us in raising money for cancer research in Elgin’s Walk & Roll.)

Video of Kickstand members riding bicycles over musical squares at Festival Park.

First we met at my place and began prepping a silk screen for group patches while eating some snacks. Next up, the ride!

We rode for about two hours, but didn’t go too far. First it was North on the bike trail to the Elgin castle where we stopped to take a group photo.

Next was South to Festival Park, where we rode around in circles like maniacs and then played on the equipment.

Next was East to Lords’ Park, where we rode around then stopped to sit on the playground and chat. Last was to another friend’s place, where we finished off with a barbecue.

If you look closely you can see one of the Kickstands’ patches on her bag.

Become friends with us on myspace and join us next time! This is just the beginning!

Tags: bicycles, bikes, castle, Elgin, Festival Park, Illinois, Kickstands, myspace, recreation, youtube
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StoryTube!

Now this is just awesome. Elgin kids in grades 1-6 that are served by Gail Borden Library can submit videos inspired by their favorite books to Youtube to be entered into a contest. The competition is between us and four other public libraries across the country. The winner will receive $500 in books for herself and $1,000 to go to her school or library.

So far there is one entry. Check it out!

I would’ve been all over this when I was a kid! My one hope is that Gail Borden can provide a video camera for the students whose families do not own one. It’s not the highest quality, but I will offer the use of my digital camera’s video capabilities if there are any kids out there reading this who need it.

If you know any children in the area, spread the word about this contest! And throughout the rest of the month, keep searching “Story Tube” on Youtube in order to find the video entries as they come in. This is such a great way to encourage both reading and the use of new technologies.

Tags: Books, competition, contest, Elgin, Gail Borden Library, Illinois, public library, public schools, reading, StoryTube, youtube
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