Selected Community Events
Gardenstock Art & Music Festival
2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon, IL.Each year on the third Saturday in August, the community gathers to enjoy a daylong celebration of children, creativity and companionship. Gardenstock Art & Music Festival benefits Sinnissippi Center’s Gardening Project offering area youth an opportunity to learn valuable lessons through gardening. In turn, they donate the fruits of their effort to local food pantries, a perfect giving circle.
The day starts at 11 am when artists and musicians share time, talent and treasure making a day of peace, love and flowers, and one in which our community shines. Fest goers come early to stake out spots, bringing blankets, chairs, coolers and a giving spirit. Food vendors offer up delectables for those traveling light. A minimum $5 donation gets you in the gate for daylong fun for the entire family.
Band Line-Up:
11:00 - 12:00 Nate Gordon
12:15 - 1:15 The Acoustic Knuckle Ride
1:30 - 2:30 Dirt Simple
2:45 - 3:45 The Dirty Beet Brothers
4:00 - 5:00 Kris Donaldson
5:15 - 6:15 Route 88
6:30 - 7:45 Wrong Element
8:00 - 9:30 Noah’s Arcade
9:45 - 11:00 Robbie LeBlanc & the Real Live Show
For more information, call 815.285.0014, visit distinctivegardensinc.com or find Gardenstock on Facebook at Facebook.com/Gardenstock
FHN’s Summer Family Movie Series
Classic Cinemas Lindo Theatre in FreeportEnjoy a great movie at a great price with your family at FHN’s Summer Family Movie Series at the Classic Cinemas Lindo Theatre in Freeport.
Each movie will begin at 10 a.m., with limited first-come, first-seated seating. Admission is just $3.50, compliments of FHN.
This year’s movies are:
June 29 – Monsters University (G)
July 6 – The Lone Ranger (PG-13)
July 13 – Despicable Me 2 (PG)
July 20 – Turbo (PG)
Kids who attend the movies will receive a surprise from FHN, and there are plenty of other surprises in store, so join us for some cool fun!
For more information about the Summer Family Movie Series presented by FHN and Classic Cinemas Lindo Theatre, visit www.fhn.org.
Juneteenth 2013
Sinnissippi Music Shell 1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford, IL 61107The 23rd annual Juneteenth celebration is a cultural and entertainment event with art vendors, food vendors and games for kids, with special guests Matthew Hunter and inFAMOUS Dance Team. The Juneteenth Idol Search will be from 1:00-3:00pm, hosted by Darcel Saunders (aka Dottie D) and Quiet Storm.
3:05pm - Gospel Performers
3:25pm - Nooney B
3:35pm - Eva Jass
3:45pm - Odessa Barmore
3:55pm - Jazz Keyes and Justin Saichek
4:15pm - Curry "Chosen" Porter
4:25pm - Frederick Douglas Performance by David Causey
4:50pm - Cedric Lewis, CFO, Rockford School District
5:00pm - State Representative Chuck Jefferson
5:10pm - Robert Brokish and the Republican Party
5:20pm - Evan Sams Quartet featuring Gina Meeks
5:50pm - Sweet Lucy
6:55pm - C.G.
7:20pm - Juneteenth Award Presentation
7:30pm - Too Deep featuring Harlan Jefferson
Contact: Tommy Meeks
Phone: (815) 218-2861
Website: rockfordjuneteenth.com
Farmer's Market - Rockton River Market
Old Settler's Park 200 E. Hawick St., Rockton, IL 61072The Rockton River Market has been approved by the Illinois Agricultural Department for its Illinois Fresh program to sell Illinois products, and has been listed on the Local Harvest community website, which supports locally grown produce.
Contact: Rockton Chamber
Phone: (815) 624-7625
Email: info@rocktonchamber.com
Website: www.rocktonchamber.com
Farmer's Market - Edgebrook
Edgebrook parking lot 1601 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61107Sample the area's best seasonal Farmer's Market. Dozens of local farmers display their highest quality vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants. On occasion, local musicians will perform to enhance your shopping experience.
Admission: Free admission
Contact: Andrea Mandala
Phone: (815) 398-8957
Email: amandala@orputcompanies.com
Website: edgebrookshops.com
Tuesday Evening in the Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens 318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford, IL 61107Join friends and family and socialize, stroll the gardens, and enjoy a live concert in the picturesque setting of Anderson Japanese Gardens. Local food vendors will be on site and beer, wine, soda and bottled water will be available for purchase. Picnic suppers are encouraged, carry-in beverages are prohibited.
Admission: Members are free. $5 for adults, $3 for teens, 12 & under are free.
2013 Performance Schedule:
May 28 - Miles Nielsen & the Rusted Hearts
June 4 - Bun E Carlos and The Monday Night Band
June 11 - Mostly Water
June 18 - Derek Luttrell
June 25 - Joseph Messing and The Wise Men
July 2 - jf gaziano & beatmerchants
July 9 - Kelly Steward & the Restless Kind
July 16 - Empty Pockets
July 23 - Lucrezio
July 30 - Antony and the Tramps
August 6 - Ed Anderson
August 13 - Starlight Radio
August 20 - Jodi Beach
August 27 - The Groove Hotel
Contact: Katie Weston
Phone: (815) 316-3306
Email: kweston@andersongardens.org
Website: www.andersongardens.org
Bower Family Beneift
Lena Firehouse 405 W Railroad St. Lena, ILAn event has been set up to benefit Dan Bower and family. Dan was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and just before Christmas 2012, he underwent brain surgery to remove several tumors from his brain. Since the surgery, he has not been able to work and will not be able to return as a City of Freeport Firefighter/Paramedic.
Proceeds from the event will go to help offset radiation, chemo, and other medical expenses.
Activities at the event include silent auction, live auction, food, and family fun. The benefit will take place at the Lena Fire Station on June 22, 2013. Donations can be dropped off at Star Ambulance in Freeport or Leamon's and Evangelical Free Church in Lena. An account has also been set up and donations can be made at any Citizen's Bank locations.
For more information call Gretchen Kempel at 815-266-1770.
2013 Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival
Downtown RochelleThroughout the weekend there will be plenty of food, games and entertainment for families to enjoy. The weekend kicks off at 4PM on Friday with carnival rides by Great American Amusements and mouth-watering fare at the food court. The Little Miss Peanut Contest begins at 6PM and then “Miles Neilson and the Rusted Hearts” take the main stage. The Beer Garden will be open Friday evening from 7-10PM. Carnival wrist band will be available on Friday and Sunday for a reduced fee of $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the carnival. Purchase wrist band coupons at City Hall, RMU Customer Service, Colonial Flowers, Ray’s New & Used and Quinn’s Jewelry.
The Lions Club will be up bright and early Saturday morning to serve their annual pancakes in the park beginning at 7:30AM. While you’re eating you may hear the rumble of car engines a block away as the Hub City Cruisers line up classic cars and motorcycles downtown. The tractor show, craft and business booths and Kids Zone begin at 10AM. Amusement Rides and the Food Court run from 11AM-11PM. There will be entertainment throughout the day including a K-9 Demonstration on the Main Stage and Kids Zone at the Library from 10AM-4PM with a caricature artist, face painting, games and more; and raising of the flag at the car show at Noon. The Main Stage will be rockin’ all evening with “Shuvlhed”, “Burn N Bush” and headline band “The Vodka Boys” from 8-10. Enjoy a cold beverage in the Beer Garden hosted by Abraham’s Bar and Grille, located on North Main Street, between the hours of 2-11PM. Raffle prizes are awarded throughout the day – pick up your tickets in advance from a Committee member or at City Hall or during the Festival at the Gazebo.
Head downtown Sunday at 11AM for the newest Festival event – the Rock County Garden Tractor Pullers. The event will take place in the 400 block of Lincoln Highway until 3PM when the parade begins.
Sunday festivities also include pancakes in the park, carnival rides, food court, business and craft booths, an ice cream social, the LHHF parade at 3PM, Rochelle’s Got Talent at 4:15PM and “Southern Charm” from 7-9PM. The Festival ends with the announcement of the $500 Cash Prize Raffle Winner.
Pastor Greg Hoffman from St. Paul's Lutheran Church will be conducting a service on the main stage on Sunday, August 18 the Praise Team will play music at 9AM; message at 9:30AM; and more music from 10 - 10:30AM.
The LHHF Parade will begin at 3PM led by the RTHS Marching Band and featuring five bands of varying musical types such as rock'n'roll oldies, country, country rock, 1980's tributes and of course the favorite Old Tymers Band. The Jolly Giant Stilt walkers, The Wacky Wheelers, Tebala Air Squadron and the Vince Carney Community Theater will also add their talents to the parade.
Other events and places to see in the area include the Rochelle Railroad Park, The Tourism Filling Station, The Fire Station Museum, Flagg Township Historical Museum, Robert’s Armory and the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library.
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, emphasizing family, entertainment and community pride, is a celebration of the past and the present of Rochelle’s history of tourism, transportation and technology.
For a full list of activities logon to www.lincolnhighwayheritagefestival.com
ByronFest
Byron, IlFor a family festival in Northern Illinois, visit ByronFest!
This year ByronFest is on July 12th, 13th, and 14th. Buttons are $6 in advance and $8 at the event. Children ages 7 and under are free for the whole weekend. Buttons are sponsored by Rockford Health Physicians-Byron and required for Friday and Saturday. Sunday is family day and no buttons are required. Advance buttons are available at all of the following locations:
Byron Bank in Byron
Byron Mini Bank in County Market
Byron Bank in Davis Junction,
Byron City Hall
Byron Fire Department
Casey’s General Store in Byron
Celestial Sun Tanning Salon
Kelly’s Market Mobil in Byron
Lake Louise
Merlin’s Greenhouse and Flowers
Felker Foods
Snyders Pharmacy of Byron, Winnebago, and Oregon
Sterling Federal bank in Byron
Stillman Bank in Byron
Subway in Byron
Tease A Salon
Three Sisters Café
Locations outside of Byron include: Byron Bank of Davis Junction, Snyder Pharmacy of Winnebago, Snyder Pharmacy of Oregon, Tease Salon in Stillman, Merlin’s Greenhouse and Flowers in Oregon, at Stillman Banks in Stillman Valley, Oregon, Rockford, Roscoe/Rockton, Rochelle, and Kelley’s Market Mobil in Pecatonica, Mt. Morris, Rockford on Main Street, 11th & Sandy Hallow, and Winnebago.
The infamous ByronFest parade will be making its return to the streets of Byron this year. The parade will be held of Sunday, July 14th and it begins at 2:00pm. The route will run down Third Street running from Neighbors Nursing Home down to Peru Street. Parade entries are due to the Byron Chamber of Commerce office by June 21st. Make sure you bring the whole family out for this fun parade full of familiar faces and candy!
For more information about ByronFest call the Byron Chamber of Commerce office at 815-234-5500 or visit ByronFest on the web at www.byronfest.org.
CommUNITY Picnic
Victorian Village at the MuseumMidway Village Museum is inviting the whole community to a free family-friendly picnic. Enjoy the outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of the Midway Village and listen to the sounds of these popular local bands. Admission and musical entertainment is FREE!
Noon to 1:15 pm
Paper Airplane
1:45 to 3:00 pm
Grass Attack
3:30 to 5:00 pm
Vintage Vinyl
Food will be available for purchase for picknicking including BBQ, Hot Dogs, Chips, Desserts and Drinks. A Children's Gameland complete with activities includes carnival games, bouncy houses, crafts and face painting. A Celebrity Dunk Tank, and Raffle/Bingo are also part of the festivities. Shop a craft and flea market area, and help the museum set a World's Record for how many Sock Monkeys can fit into a car. Some activities will require tickets for purchase.
For a complete listing of festivities and details, www.midwayvillage.com or 815-397-9112.
Friday Night Flix
Davis Park 320 S. Wyman St., Rockford, IL 61101Friday Night Flix features large screen movies that the entire family can enjoy. The free movie showings begin at sundown on the North lawn of Davis Park. The BMO Harris Bank Center arena floor is the backup location in the case of rain or inclement weather. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring lawn chairs if the movie is indoors.
Movie line-up for 2013:
June 7 - Hotel Transylvania
June 14 - Men in Black 3
June 21 - How to Train Your Dragon
July 5 - Shrek 4
July 12 - Hunger Games
July 19 - Wreck it Ralph
July 26 - Brave
August 2- Enchanted
August 9 - Pirates: Band of Misfits
August 16 - Here Comes the Boom
August 23 - ParaNorman
August 30 - The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Phone: (815) 489-8207
Web: www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com/davispark/weekends_in_park/
8-MILES OF AG-TIQUES tractor shows
Orangeville, Il HWY 26N to Monroe, Wi HWY 69SDifferent antique tractor shows along the highway. Great food, crafts, just lots of fun.
Jim Briggs for display info. 1-815-789-4570
Splish Splash Splat
Aug 16, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILBring some fruit to fuel our giant catapult.
Little squirts and big drips can splash
together some dripping art. Drench your
favorite family member, experiment with
water balloon ballistics, and play with wet
and messy stuff. Dress to get wet.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Does It Float?
Aug 9, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILFloat a fish, sink a sub, and make your own toy.
Investigate buoyancy and help us dunk computer monitors,
bowling balls, and other oddball objects in our
giant tank as we test for “float” or “sink” with host Wink
Fløtersynk. Dress to get wet.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Whoosh
Aug 2, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILMake your own kite to master the wind, harness air with
a hovercraft, and pit your strength against air pressure.
Feats like magic come easy to even novice airbenders!
Masters will learn to manipulate this element to topple
distant objects and send a foggy vortex flying.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Swashbuckling Science
Jul 26, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILAre you smarter than a pirate? “See” the difference
an eye patch makes; design a boat to
float your swag; make a compass to point
the way, navigate by the stars, and craft
a sailboat to catch the wind.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
See a Juggler, Be a Juggler
Jul 19, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILWatch mesmerizing juggler Jason
Kollum and take a lesson from this
master performer in a workshop
designed with kids in mind. Keep
your balance between performances
with hands-on Discovery Center fun.
Preregistration for shows and workshops
recommended. 40-minute shows
begin at: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
30-minute workshops are geared for ages 3 and up;
all are welcome; workshop space is limited. Workshop
times: 12:40 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. Call
815-963-6769 to register beginning June 3.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
How Does Your Garden Grow
Jul 12, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILUnearth the secrets of seeds in this earthy event!
Discover hidden colors, dissect a flower,
tally petals, play with pill bugs and
warm up to worms. Dress for mess
during this day of playing in the
dirt.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Kaboom!
Jul 4, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Jul 5, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILExperiment with explosions, launch mini rockets,
construct a potato popper, and more! Invent your own
light-up wand, and create patriotic art while slurping on
a snow cone. Science and art star in these red, white
and blue days of family fun.
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Dig Into Treasure
Jun 28, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILDiscover the ins and outs of searching for
treasure. Use a real metal detector, set
your sights on a rainbow, pan for “gold”,
program a robot probe, and more!
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2832, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org
Angry BIrds
Jun 21, 2013 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford, ILReady, aim, launch! Create catapults, assemble
slingshots, adjust trajectories, and get ready to knock
things down as we get into the science behind this game!
Ann Marie Walker, 815-972-2932, annmariew@discoverycentermuseum.org