Discover the importance of the iconic sock monkey to Rockford’s Industrial past. Learn how a simple sock led to the growth of a city and the creation of a universally recognized symbol.

The theme for Sock Monkey Madness is Rockford Sports, so visitors are encouraged to come in their local jerseys to share the fun!

Thanks to our generous sponsors: Kegels and the Rockford Ice Hogs!

Visitors will sew their own sock monkey with guided instruction, and tour the Sock Monkey history exhibit as well as the Rockford Peaches exhibit in the museum center.

We will have food/drinks available for purchase from the Sassy Mac Boys from 10:30am - 2pm.

Admission:

$12 Adult

$8 Child (5-12)

$25 Make-A-Monkey Workshop Kit

Children Age 0-4 are FREE

Member admission is FREE

Event Highlights:

We are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our popular Sock Monkey Madness festival! Our Sock Monkey mascot Babs will be in attendance to take pictures with you and join in the fun!

> Make-A-Monkey Workshop ($25 material fee). Sock Monkey Kit colors in: Traditional Brown, Red, Green, Pink, Blue, Tie-Dye Purple, Tie-Dye Blue, Tie-Dye Pink, Pink with Stripes, Cream with Stripes, and Yellow with Stripes*

*Midway Village Museum has a limited number of pre-made Sock Monkey kits available; colors will be first come, first served.

> Lots of Activities and Crafts for Children

> Shopping and Unique Rockford-themed Gifts

> Sockford Hospital — Bring Your Own Sock Monkey in For Expert Repair

> Appearance by Hammy from the Rockford Ice Hogs, 12-1pm

> Showcase of Rockford Athletic Card Collection

> Guided Tours of The Missing Link Sock Monkey History Exhibit (15-minute tours every 30-minutes, from 9am-12pm & 1-3:30pm; 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45 -- 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, 3:15)

> Self-guided tour of the Rockford Peaches History Exhibit

> Other gallery exhibits to tour: Janet Lynn; read about bicycle history in our Transportation Gallery; AND…

> You’re in the Army Now: Camp Grant, Rockford’s Legacy

Learn about Rockford’s own Camp Grant, which was constructed as an Army Training Camp in 1917 and re-activated when the United States entered WWII. One of the many topics covered in this exhibit is solider leisure time and sports at the camp during both World War I and II – including boxing, football, baseball, and more! Guests will be invited to test their skills at our interactive obstacle course and take a polaroid photo with Nelson in our replica WWII Jeep.

Other Organizations Attending:

> Sockford Public Library, presented by the Rockford Public Library – Sock Monkey Library Cards

> 4H Club – Facepainting & Temporary Tattoos

> The International Women’s Baseball Center & Lil Peaches

Tickets can also be purchased at the door when you arrive.

The last time to begin the Sock Monkey kit workshop is 3pm. The event closes at 4pm.

Questions? Call us at 815-397-9112.