U-46 Educational Foundation and Gail Borden Public Library Foundation to Present "Get Ready for Día de los Muertos" with El Trote De Las Calacas and the El Trote Marketplace Festival

Co-Sponsored by the City of Elgin

October Event Will Celebrate Mexican Culture

ELGIN – Two local organizations are teaming up once again to present a major celebration of Mexican culture. Organizers hope to build on the enthusiasm from last year’s event, when they expected 500 participants but nearly double that number showed up. A unique display, marketplace festival, and 5K will showcase the community’s diversity while raising funds to support the thousands of residents served by both School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Public Library District. We thank the City of Elgin for being a co-sponsor.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, El Trote De Las Calacas (The Skeleton Trot), a USTF-certified 5K race (and walk), will step off amid music and fanfare at 9 a.m. The course begins at the Gail Borden Public Library, located at 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, and winds through Elgin’s historic northeast neighborhood and along the scenic bike path beside the Fox River. Library trustee and VNA Clinical Coordinator Elisa Lara will serve as the race emcee. Registration is open at gailborden.info/trote.

The running of the skeletons will include giant Catrina puppets, live music, and food to help participants get ready for Día de los Muertos. Following the race, the El Trote Marketplace Festival will open inside the Library at 10 a.m.

In remarkable fashion, the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation have partnered to create an extraordinary, family-friendly race and fall celebration for the entire community.

Additionally, sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting this unique cultural event while gaining exposure to a diverse audience. A race sponsorship also includes visibility for the upcoming Dinosaur Explorer exhibit, which will be on display at the Main Library from mid-September 2025 through the first week of January 2026.

“We are extremely excited about this event and our partnership with the U-46 Educational Foundation,” said Karen Fox, President of the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation. “Both foundations, along with Library staff, bring creative and unique ideas that enhance events like the Skeleton Trot. We are so pleased to also offer visibility during the dynamic upcoming Dinosaur Explorer exhibit."

Denise Broz, Interim President of the U-46 Educational Foundation, was equally enthusiastic about the partnership and event.

“We were so pleased with the participation last year. We are excited to see the community coming together once again. This is an opportunity to reach competitive runners from the Chicago area and beyond, as well as local walkers paying tribute to their family members and friends. We invite participants and sponsors to join us in celebrating this unique cultural event. The funds raised will positively impact many in our communities.”

About the U-46 Educational Foundation

From scholarships for deserving college-bound seniors to grants for teachers and staff, the U-46 Educational Foundation creates opportunities that expand student learning and well-being for the nearly 35,000 students in School District U-46.
www.u-46.org/Foundation

About the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation

The Foundation supports the Library’s mission to enhance literacy in the community and sustain a world-class library district through reading initiatives, engaging exhibits, capital projects, and more.
www.gailborden.info/foundation

Both foundations are nonprofit organizations, and all donations are tax-exempt.