Stanley Cup returning to Elk Grove Village Aug. 29

Lord Stanley's Cup is returning to Elk Grove Village, thanks to a longtime resident: Blackhawks team President and CEO John McDonough.

The Stanley Cup will be on display during a public rally at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, on the soccer fields next to the Pavilion Fitness center, 1000 Wellington Ave, officials announced Tuesday.

Blackhawks national anthem singer Jim Cornelison will kick off the festivities with his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," followed by remarks from McDonough, who will be joined on stage by local dignitaries. Blackhawks public address announcer Gene Honda will emcee the event, which will also include fireworks and confetti.

"We do want to thank Mr. McDonough again for thinking of Elk Grove, his town," Mayor Craig Johnson said at Tuesday's village board meeting. "He said he couldn't think of not doing it in Elk Grove."

Johnson said Aug. 29 will be John McDonough Day in Elk Grove Village. The mayor credited McDonough, a 31-year Elk Grove resident, as the "mastermind behind the Hawks resurgence" -- overseeing a franchise that has won three Stanley Cup championships in six years.

McDonough brought the cup to Elk Grove Village after the 2010 championship victory, riding with the trophy in the village's annual Hometown Parade. An estimated 10,000 fans attended.

Around the 9/11 anniversary in 2013, McDonough brought the cup to village hall so police and fire personnel could snap photos with it.

Johnson said officials are expecting as many as a few thousand people to attend the Aug. 29 rally.

If there is inclement weather, the rally will be moved inside to the Pavilion's gym.

After the Elk Grove event, McDonough will bring the Cup to his old neighborhood, Chicago's Edison Park, for a public rally at 1:30 p.m. the same day.