Makers Market being held downtown Saturday to celebrate home-grown Elgin businesses
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Elgin-based businesses selling everything from baked goods and jewelry to art pieces, dog cookies and beauty products will fill the outdoor venue in an homage of sorts to the city's long history as a manufacturing base notable for its butter and dairy products and the Elgin Watch Co.
The Made in Elgin initiative also will showcase the $3 million in renovations made to DuPage Court, located between Spring Street and South Grove Avenue, so it could be better used as a site for outdoor events. In addition to infrastructure improvements, including new sewer, sanitary and water lines, enhancements include a new gateway, paving bricks, benches, stage area for amplified live music and other entertainment, and movable tables and chairs.
Made in Elgin is a DNA campaign done in partnership with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Group, offering a free registry for local businesses that produce items in the city. A 'Made in Elgin' seal can be affixed to the business and used as a marketing tool, DNA Executive Director Jennifer Fukala said.
Local vendors without bricks-and-mortar locations can get a feel for how things work in Elgin through the Saturday event in the hope they might eventually become part of the downtown retail scene, she said.
In addition to businesses selling their wares, Makers Market also will feature family-friendly activities, including areas set up for kids craft area and to build bird houses, live music and demonstrations.
Among the vendors on hand will be artist Ken Simonsen, who plans to sell original signed prints and sculpted pieces.
'I'm an Elgin resident, and I've been doing business in Elgin for over 20 years,' Simonsen said. 'The excellent group of people at the DNA are not only accommodating, but are great at promoting these events.
'Last year was my first experience vending at the downtown (summer farmers) market. I made a lot of great connections and (while) it was profitable, my crazy schedule will only allow me a few days this season.'
Another vendor will be Jennifer Monterroso, owner of La Joya De Taxco, which specializes in silver jewelry.
'This is a family business that started with my grandmother more than 30 years ago. She passed it along to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,' Monterroso said.
She's been taking part in special pop-up and seasonal markets in Elgin for three years, she said.
'I love all the changes that have been going on downtown because of the DNA, and want to support their purpose,' Monterroso said. 'I hope to get more exposure at the Makers Market, and that will help build a broader clientele for my business.'
For a list of vendors and more information on the Makers Market, go to www.downtownelgin.com/made-in-elgin.
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