Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Weekend Roundup: February 4 - 6

Hey Rockford! Welcome to the weekend! Here is a tiny sneak peek of a few events this weekend. Need more? We get it. Get the details for these events and explore more events here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/eventsFriday is Rockford City Market's Winter Market. Take a stroll through the market to find that perfect Valentine's, or just because gift. Nothing says I love you like a local gift from the heart... of Rockford. (See what we did there?). Plan ahead and buy tickets for the painting party at the Market that night.Friday is also the opening for the new Rockford Art Museum exhibition: Buzz Spector - Reading Matter. On Saturday, check out Valloween at Wolf Hollow! They are welcoming The NewlyDeads and their unique style of loving each other to death! We love the love they put into their art and think you will leave Wolf Hollow with a darkly whimsical and sweet delight for your Beloved that you won't find anywhere else in town.Winter lovers rejoice! Rocktown is hosting Snowshoeing at Klehm Arboretum on Saturday with a fun poker run twist.Sunday is family skate at Carlson Ice Arena. Take the whole family for some chilly fun.See you out there, Rockford.

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Rascals Bar and Grill Food Review

Love live music and delicious wings? Rascals Bar and Grill needs to be on your go-to list. We ventured out on a weekday for lunch and were not disappointed!Let's start with the menu. Rascals has something for everyone, and I do mean everyone. Salads, wraps, wings, burgers, pasta, steaks, and seafood... the list goes on! They even have fry selections for everyone (#team steak fries).Our first item was the French Dip Sandwich with house-cut fries. The beef was tender and juicy, even without the dip! You can dress this sandwich up with cheese, onions, mushrooms, and/or peppers to make it your own.Second, we ordered wings and steak fries. We opted for the hot buffalo and garlic parmesan because variety is the spice of life...right next to salt. Both sauces were amazing, and I especially enjoy the sauce level. I prefer my wings dripping, and Rascals delivered. The steak fries had seasoning salt on them, which is a fun addition.Pair excellent food with great staff and an awesome regular music lineup, and you have a great local hangout to explore.

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Rockford Barbell Received Grant for Youth Weightlifting Program

Rockford Barbell is proud to announce it has received a $13,300 grant for its Youth Weightlifting Program. The grant was awarded by the Dr. Louis & Violet Rubin Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois’ Community Grants Program. Rockford Barbell’s mission is to improve the social and emotional functioning of school-age kids through physical activity and trauma-informed practices. Rockford Barbell’s Youth Weightlifting Program addresses the competencies of social-emotional growth through the sport of weightlifting.Rockford Barbell improves mental health, physical development, and social-emotional outcomes for youth by teaching and modeling principles of mindfulness, focus, communication, self-control, grit, and resilience. Rockford Barbell’s youth weightlifting program helps build resilience by exposing participants to new experiences, demonstrating how a lifestyle of consistent effort can translate into direct success, and by helping children build secure attachments with caring adults. Rockford Barbell was founded in 2019 by a group of educators who personally experienced the need for additional social-emotional support outside of the classroom. Rockford Barbell’s Youth Weightlifting Program is offered year-round to kids aged 10-18 at no cost. It is one of Rockford Barbell’s founding principles to be an accessible option for improving mental health outcomes of youth. You can find out more information about the program or how to register your child at www.rockfordbarbell.com The mission of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is to serve as a catalyst for giving in order to attract, preserve, and grow an endowment for current and future needs of Northern Illinois. Since its founding in 1953 CFNIL has granted more than $77 million for charitable purposes. Learn more about CFNIL’s grantmaking and commitment to endowment at cfnil.org.

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The Weekend Roundup: January 28 - 30

It's that time again! Welcome to the Weekend Roundup for January 28-30.Coming up today, go see the snow sculpting in action! This is such a fun art form to watch. You are welcome to walk or drive through the park to view the sculptors working. Please, be respectful and give them plenty of space for their creative process.The Pottery Lounge is hosting Black Light Painting! Turn off the lights and get inspired to create a fun new art piece for your home.Ernie's Midtown Pub is hosting comedy night! Treat yourself to food and drink specials while laughing all evening with friends.On deck for Saturday is the first annual Rockford North End Hot Chocolate Crawl! You can pick up a new mug to add to your collection while visiting all of the local businesses participating in this new event. Let's make it a huge success!Sunday wraps up with Family Skate at Carlson Ice Arena. Bring the whole bunch out for a fun winter favorite. This is perfect for beginner and advanced skaters.To get the details for these events, and see even more events for this weekend and beyond, visit: https://rockfordbuzz.com/eventsHave fun out there, Rockford!

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Rockford North End "Hot Chocolate Crawl"

Once again, it's January in Rockford, and since it's gonna be cold, we figured we should give you a good reason to warm up with us....Welcome to the first annual Rockford North End "Hot Chocolate Crawl"!Participating businesses up and down North Main Street will have special hot chocolate features to warm you up, and special shopping features throughout the day and night on Saturday, January 29th, 2022. Many participating locations will have our new Rockford North End coffee mugs for sale too.There will also be several prize packages for North End shoppers that day -- just like a scavenger hunt, take a photo of the receipt from ANY Rockford North End businesses dated 1/29/22, send them to rockfordnorthend@gmail.com and you'll be entered to win prize packs that include gift cards to North End restaurants, retail stores, wearables and more. The more places you stop at on Saturday the 29th, the more entries you have to win prizes!Official Hot Chocolate Crawl participants:Stockyard Burger Rock Bar - offer tbaWhiskey's Roadhouse - $1 hot chocolateRooted - offer tbaFiesta Tequila - $2.50 ChampurradoVillage Green North MainRockford Family Dental - offer tbaThe Norwegian - offer tbaMulligan's - build your own hot chocolate barThe Olympic Tavern - free hot chocolate with mug purchase + $5 boozy hot drink featuresand more!

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Youth Poet Laureate for the City of Rockford

The Rockford Area Arts Council, in partnership with the Rockford Public Library and the City of Rockford, is thrilled to announce Giulyana Gamero as the 2022 City of Rockford Youth Poet Laureate. Giulyana is a junior at Auburn High School. Giulyana’s plans for her one-year term as Youth Poet Laureate are steeped with passion for poetry, community, and the impact the arts can have, especially for young people. We are immeasurably excited for her one-year term as Youth Poet Laureate and know that she will reach many, in our community, with her love of the written word/poetry. Giulyana has shared that she has always been surrounded by language, particularly Spanish and English, and growing up in a Mexican-Puerto Rican household deeply influenced her love of language. She has been published in the Young American Poetry Digest (2015, 2016), earned an honorable mention with the National Scholastic Art and Writing Award (2017), and is currently working on her first novel. Giulyana’s one-year term will be focused on workshops and special events within our community that focus on various writing styles and emphasize a focus on culture and identity. She says, “With these events, there is hope for unity and for the blossoming of friendships among the youth in Rockford. Communication with other poets and writers is so important and everyone deserves the opportunity to find solace within writing accompanied by solace within knowing you are not alone in your passions.” “The quality of Giulyana’s work, combined with her commitment to her craft, makes her the stand-out candidate for the 2022 Youth Laureate Award. Giulyana has an open mind and an open heart—she is both articulate and passionate. Giulyana’s work demonstrates her grasp of the art of poetry and the human experience.” – Mary McNamara Bernsten, Executive Director, Rockford Area Arts Council Lynn Stainbrook, Director at the Rockford Public Library says, “We are proud to welcome another young artist to serve as the second annual City of Rockford Youth Poet Laureate. As we take steps to reemerge from the challenges our world has been facing, we find inspiration in the talent of another creative young mind crafting language to represent the voice of our community through the medium of poetry.” “The City is thrilled to recognize Giulyana Gamero as the next Youth Poet Laureate for the City of Rockford. At a young age, Giulyana has already demonstrated love and talent for the written and spoken word, and we look forward to her sharing that passion with our entire community,” says Mayor Tom McNamara, City of Rockford. “She [Giulyana] is a fierce advocate for what she believes in. Just as she has been fighting to tell her friend’s story, she will fight to spread poetry and art to a broader audience of Rockford’s youth. People can’t help but be drawn to her.” – Carrie A. Rollins, English Teacher, Thurgood Marshall Middle School.

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Favorite Breakfast in Town

February is Hot Breakfast Month! So we want to know... who has the best breakfast in Rockford? Don't see your favorite on the list? Let us know and we will add them!

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The Weekend Roundup: 1/21 - 1/23

Happy Weekend, Rockford! We made it, and so did you. Here's what's happening in the 815.Check out the huge multi-family sale hosted by The Pickin Chicks for your next great find! With so many homes contributing to this sale, you are destined to find something to love.The Rockford Ice Hogs are hitting the ice this weekend! Grab the whole family and have fun cheering on the team.Frosty Fridays at Carlson Ice Arena are great for date night or family time. Skate the rink starting at 8 pm for only $5 ($7 with skate rental)! Is 8 pm too late for the kiddos? Check out their family skate Saturday at 1 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.There is a ton of live music, and we are so excited to see the local music scene back in full swing. Be sure to check the lineups at your favorite spots around town.Get all the details for these events, and more, here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/eventsSee you out there, Rockford!

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New York Style Pizza at The Pomodoro

Did you know you can get authentic New York-style pizza right here in Rockford?! There is only one place that offers this unique style, and it's The Pomodoro.New York–style pizza is made with a characteristically large hand-tossed thin crust. The crust is thick and crisp only along its edge, yet soft, thin, and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half to eat.The generous 18-inch pizza at The Pomodoro lives up to the true design of New York-style pizza, down to being hand-tossed and foldable. You won't be disappointed with the fresh ingredients and homemade sausage. The crust is perfectly cooked to achieve that crisp toast but stays fluffy and soft. They use their famous Pomodoro sauce that we all love on their signature pasta dishes.They have all of your favorite traditional toppings, as well as some specials including The Jersey Boy with sliced Italian Beef.We couldn't do a food review at The Pomodoro without a shout-out to their special salad. This salad is packed with fresh bell peppers, hard-boiled egg, Italian sausage, pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and is lightly dressed. It is definitely worth adding to your meal!Next time you feel like pizza, stop by The Pomodoro for a taste of New York.

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The Flavors of House of India

Happy National Spicy Food Day!When I think of spice, I instantly think of Indian food. While the spice that traditional Indian dishes are famous for adds a ton of flavor and life, it doesn't always mean heat. Even those with a milder temperature tolerance can enjoy the beautiful tastes of House of India.Levels of spiciness are controlled by chilis, which can easily be added to or omitted from recipes. At House of India, they have three levels to choose from: mild, medium, and hot.We ordered two entrees: Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala; as well as the accompanying sides: Saffron Rice and Garlic Naan.Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices in a tandoor (clay oven). While this ranked mild on the spice level, the spices used to marinate the chicken were phenomenal. The chicken was cooked so tender that it practically fell off the bone and the flavor is just delicious. Who knew yogurt could be a marinade and nail the job?!I'll admit, this was my first time at House of India, and with Indian food in general. I decided on Chicken Tikka Masala because it is the North American fan favorite. I figured it was a good starting point. The dish is bite-sized pieces of chicken in a spiced curry sauce. The curry is creamy and orange-red. This is where the saffron rice came in! You ladle the Tikka Masala over the rice and create your own dish. I ordered the medium spice, and I feel like this is safe for milder temperature tolerances. I will definitely be ordering this hot next time. I can't get enough of spicy food and I think this dish can only get better with additional heat!Let's talk about the Naan... You are in for a treat! House of India has multiple flavors of Naan, and you definitely want to order some for the table (or yourself) to enjoy. It arrives at the table freshly prepared and so wonderfully warm.No matter what you choose from their extensive menu, it is sure to please! Step out of your box and try something new!

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Weekend Roundup: January 14 - 16

Welcome to the weekend! Whether you want to go out or stay home, check out these amazing events happening. To see the full list of events, click here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/eventsGetting married soon? Congratulations! Check out the Wedding Expo hosted by Rockford City Market this Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. See their beautiful venue and meet the local vendors they love to work with.Don’t feel like leaving the house? We get it! Join the Rockford Public Library via zoom on Friday at 6:00pm for a film screening and discussion.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81211275487"Howard Zinn: A People's History of the United States"Zinn talks about those who have no voice in the official history of the United States.Looking to get active this weekend? Check out the public skate at Carlson Ice Arena, or learn to snowshoe at Klehm Arboretum with Rocktown Adventures this Saturday. Rocktown Adventures is adding a fun twist with a hand of poker collected along the way. Best hand wins a gift card!The Rockford Symphony Orchestra is presenting Rhythm and Beauty Saturday night at the Coronado Theater. The local music scene is very active this weekend, so be sure to check your favorite spot for their local line-ups!Have a great weekend, Rockford!

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Sledding in the 815 (and Beyond!)

It was a dry December, but January is here, and brought snow! If you are a fan of the winter weather, it’s your time to shine. Our favorite wintertime sport is sledding. Something about slightly risking your life with that icy wind in your face is just exhilarating! Let’s grab our tubes, toboggans, saucers, sleds, or anything hill worthy and hit the local hot spots!PSA… Sledding is NOT ALLOWED at Aldeen Park or Sand Park.Twin Sisters Park3001 Harney Ct., Rockford, ILLevings Lake Park1420 S Pierpont Ave., Rockford, ILSinnissippi Golf Course1401 N. 2nd St., Rockford ILAnna Page Park2800 N. Springfield Ave., Rockford, ILSnow Park at Alpine HillsAges 4+ Fee: $8Opening for tubing on January 8th - Check website for up-to-date schedule.All equipment is provided by the facility.90-minute time slots available.Tickets may be purchased up to two weeks in advance.https://alpinehillsadventure.com/tubingHospital Hill in Beloit623 Olympian Blvd., Beloit, WIBelvidere Park1006 W Lincoln Ave., Belvidere, ILBaumann Park218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley, IL

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Christmas Tree Recycling with KNIB!

Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is pleased to announce the continuation of their oldest program, recycling Christmas trees. Did you know that real Christmas trees are recyclable?Recycling trees conserve valuable landfill space and return vital nutrients to the Earth when chipped and the mulch is put back down. On top of that, pine mulch can beautify landscapes as well as smell good! Tree farms also provide oxygen, diminish carbon dioxide, and create jobs.The Christmas Tree Program allows you to bring your live tree to one of the many convenient recycle locations through January 15. There it will be chipped and the mulch will be free to those who want it until the end of February or while supplies last. Trees are the gift that keeps on giving!When bringing your tree to be recycled, please remove all decorations, bags, bows, lights, ornaments, garland, and tinsel. By the way, KNIB will take old Christmas tree lights but they must be brought during our donation days/times for recycling.Wreaths are not accepted for recycling due to the wireframe woven into them.Artificial trees are not accepted because most fake trees are made with PVC, and may also include metal toxins such as lead. REAL trees are made mostly out of sunshine, water, and healthy soil!Please go to www.knib.org to get a complete list of locations for recycling your live tree.

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Weekend Roundup: January 7-9, 2022

Welcome to the weekend! Friday and Saturday are packed with great adventures. Take your pick and get out to enjoy the warmer temperatures.FridayLucha Cantina is hosting Comedy Night. Show starts at 8:00 pm.Line-Up for the Night:Host: Michael PalmenderiGuest Feature: Matt HallMain Feature: Joe AntonacciHeadliner: Marz Timms Check out local art at 317 Art Collective’s 3rd anniversary and 3rd annual members-only show! Doors open at 6:00 pm. Get the best selection during The Pickin Chicks first estate sale of the year! SaturdayFind your center with Yoga at the Market hosted by Rockford City Market. One-hour yoga classes led by Stacy Morrissey in the beautiful bowtruss room. Mat included. Start rebuilding your connection with the natural world by creating a Circle of the Seasons artwork at Severson Dells. You’ll learn about the natural rhythms of the year while creating a beautiful wheel with watercolors and colored pencils. Art materials provided or bring your own. Love the snow? Hit the trails at Atwood Park with Rocktown Adventures. Have some fun in the snow, meet some new people, and learn the ins and outs of the fastest-growing winter sport.Get all of the details for these events and more at: https://rockfordbuzz.com/eventsSee you out there, Rockford.

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Olympic Tavern Lunch Review

We ventured out to Olympic Tavern for this week’s food review. We hit the floor during lunch, and Olympic hosts a lunch menu separate from their classic dinner menu. That means we will definitely be back for part two to experience the dinner menu! For lunch, we had to start with their poutine, a bowl of fries smothered in mushroom gravy and topped with generous cubes of mozzarella. It was everything we hoped and dreamed it would be. With some kitchen magic, the fries stayed crisp. The mozzarella was melty and delightful. This dish is shareable and came from the kitchen quickly. The perfect snack to order right when you sit down and enjoy while you check out the menu. For entrees, we ordered THE PIPEFITTER: twin 1/4lb smash patties, cheddar, crispy onion strings, 1000 island, lettuce, tomato & onion, pretzel roll, and FISH & CHIPS: beer-battered Icelandic cod filets, with crispy fries, coleslaw, corn nuggets & lemon. The Pipefitter is not for the faint of heart! This burger is stacked and delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a pretzel roll? The three beer-battered cod filets were excellent. The breading was crispy, the flavor was fresh, and the sides were plentiful! I would absolutely order both items again. We can’t wait to head back to Olympic Tavern for dinner. You can view both menus online here: https://theolympictavern.com/. What should we try for dinner?

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Favorite Dog Trainer

January is National Train Your Dog Month! We want to hear who your favorite local dog trainer is. There are so many wonderful trainers in our area, so vote below and let us know!

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Looking at a Healthier 2022 with Food 4 Fuel

Happy New Year! If you made a resolution to eat a little healthier this year, be sure to check out Food 4 Fuel.They serve nutritionally dense, portion-controlled food at fast-food pricing. Which means taking the expense and time commitment out of eating better. Food 4 Fuel goes beyond the kitchen as well! “We know first-hand that a healthy body and mind doesn't end in the kitchen. We passionately create fitness-focused programs like our 21 Days to Sprint and partner to work hand and hand with our community members to create stronger bodies.”They partner with local gyms and businesses to bring meals to a location convenient for you. And with weekday packages, family packs, variety packs, and ala carte options available, there is something that will fit your needs and budget.You can order meals on their website: https://www.food4fuel.com/ , or stop in on a Grab-N-Go event to pick up a meal to try.Have a delicious 2022 with Food 4 Fuel!

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Weekend Roundup: December 31 - January 2

Happy New Year! The big drop is this weekend, and there are parties all over town! Just check with your local spot to see what their holiday hours are before heading out.If you are looking for a family-friendly holiday countdown, check out this list: https://rockfordbuzz.com/have-a-family-friendly-new-yearLooking for a unique holiday experience? Join the folks at 317 Art Collective for a Game Night! Get all of the details here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/rx-rainbows-closing-receptionIf you are jumping into a new fitness routine, check out 815 Yoga's 108 Sun Salutations at 10:00am on January 1st. This 2 hour class is $20 per person and is a wonderful way to process all that’s happened 2021, set intentions for 2022, and begin the new year feeling fresh, abundant, and strong. Kimmy & Rachel will lead you through 4 sets of 27 sun salutations with options to modify and move at your own pace through a quarter, half, or full set of 108. Check it out here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/108-sun-salutationsHow ever you celebrate the New Year, be safe and stay warm!

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Lucha Cantina Birria Taco Food Review

We love that Lucha Cantina is open for lunch again! Especially on Tuesdays, fondly referred to as Birria Tuesdays over at Lucha. We ventured over to try this special feature.But wait a second, what IS Birria? Birria is slow-roasted beef, simmered in a stew of its juices, and a blend of chiles and spices, and served with its juices rendered. If you prefer a no ruffles taco, this is it. The meat is the highlight, served with cheese and a sprinkle of onions. This taco does have a unique feature though… dipping sauces! It’s ok, play with your food... we won’t tell. What makes the Lucha Cantina birria even more special? It’s an old family recipe from Manny’s (the Lucha Cantina Chef) family. When you order the Birria tacos, you will receive 4 tacos (on corn tortillas). Be sure to ask for rice and/or beans if you want them because they do not automatically accompany the tacos. The tacos are grilled, so they have a delicious crunch to them and the cheese is a melty masterpiece. You also get to dipping sauces, and we encourage you to try them separately and together! Lucha Cantina just released a new menu as well. I’m sure we will be back to try some of their new features soon!

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Have a Family Friendly New Year

New Year’s Eve is next week and it’s time to make your celebration plans! If you want to get the whole family involved (and avoid disrupting bedtime), check out these great midday celebrations around town.The Discovery Center Museum is holding its annual “Countdown to Fun” on December 31 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The family-friendly celebration is filled with countdowns to ball drops and confetti showers every 20 minutes to keep gatherings small. Fabricate a party hat, knock together a noisemaker, and more! Cost is included with admission to Discovery Center - $10 adults, $10 children ages 2-17, and free for Discovery Center Members and children age 1 and younger. Advance reservations are recommended. Make reservations online at http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/ or call 815-963-6769. Skateland is hosting Roll in the New Year from 2:00 - 4:30 pm. Balloon drop and NYE celebration at 4:00 pm. Every paid admission includes a 6" glow stick, hat, noisemaker, and a PRIZE! Admission is $12, and skate rental is $2. Advanced registration is required, and available here: https://skatelandrocks.com/.Carlson Ice Arena will host a special Noon Year’s Eve indoor public ice skating and Sapora Playworld event Friday, December 31, 2021, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A balloon drop will be held at noon, and the festivities will also include music by a DJ, party favors, and a Skate and Play Special package.Skate and Play Special: $8 per person admission includes the public ice skating session, skate rental, and admission to Sapora Playworld, which offers multi-level soft play structures for ages four and younger, and for ages 12 and younger. A meal deal special will be available for purchase.For ice skating only, the per-person admission fee is $7, which includes skate rental.

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Weekend Roundup: December 24-26 2021

Winter break and Christmas weekend are upon us! If you are looking for things to do, we’ve got a few ideas:Friday – Christmas EveTake the family to Carlson Ice Arena for Christmas Eve Skate from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sapora Playworld will also be open, with a special $8 package to enjoy both during your visit! Practice those spins, or if you’re like me… just try to stay upright.Many local restaurants are offering special Christmas Eve hours and customer appreciation gatherings. Check with your favorite eatery to join in on the fun!Saturday – ChristmasIn observance of Christmas, many local businesses are closed. Enjoy time with your loved ones at homes, or head outdoors for a hike, walk, or fun homemade scavenger hunt.Enjoy the lights at Nicholas Conservatory, Festival of Lights, and more around town.SundayLove model trains? Head over to Nicholas Conservatory for their Wooden Railway Workshop and build a wooden train car that will work with your wooden railway set at home! Shape the wood, gauge the wheels, and glue your car together! Finish your custom car with a nice coat of paint and take it home to keep! Nicholas Conservatory admission + $2/car. Pre-registration encouraged! Pre-register with your admission tickets.

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Marengo Christmas Light Spectacular

A family farm in Marengo is lighting up the night sky this Christmas season with a spectacular new light show.The Hanson farm buildings have been decked out with more than 45,000 pixel LEDs, 20 stage DMX fixtures, 3,000 feet of cables, and several stage lasers. The light show issynced to music, which people can tune into via a local radio station, 92.9FM.This is the first year for the show, and Chris Hanson, owner, and creator of the show, wanted to make it free for everyone to enjoy. Although, he says donations to pay theelectricity bill are still appreciated and can be made on hansonbarn.com.The show has a current run-time of 15 minutes but songs are being added every day, so be sure to visit again for any new additions. Sam Bolds, a lighting designer and friendof the Hanson family, said their goal is to make the show up to 30 minutes with a variety of songs in each set. A fan favorite has been established in the song "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen with choreographed lights.Right now, they are encouraging people to come out from 6 pm to 9 pm to view the lights.Driveway parking may not always be available but you can still view the show by pulling off the side of the road. The show is ongoing through Dec. 31 and can be found at5107 Thorne Rd.

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Look for an Evergreen Day is Here!

It’s Look for an Evergreen Day! You know what that means… it’s pretty much your last chance to snag a live tree for your holiday festivities. Look for an Evergreen Day was originally established by the National Arborist Association to create a day to appreciate the beauty of these trees outside of the confines of merely being bedecked with glittering lights and ornaments. Even in the depths of winter, evergreens keep their foliage, providing that wonderful green and white contrast that is so representative of deep winter. If you already have your tree decorated and on display, take today as an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of these seasonal favorites. Take a walk and feel the difference in the needle types. Bonus points for collecting a few pinecones to create a fun craft with! Don’t have your tree yet? Check out this list for lots of locations available to help you find the perfect tree.Williams Tree Farm, RocktonWilliams Tree Farm has been growing Christmas trees for 70 years at 4661 Yale Bridge Road. The 300-acre farm is full of firs, spruces, and pines, along with tons of family activities. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.Retired Men's Club Christmas Tree Sale, RockfordAt Highcrest Shopping Centre, 1646 N. Alpine Road, the Retired Men's Club Christmas Tree Sale is a fundraiser for the YMCA. It runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 21. Hours are 1-6 p.m., weekdays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday.Marshmallow’s Christmas Tree Wonderland, RockfordMarshmallow's offers cut-your-own and pre-cut Scotch and white pine trees. There are also horse rides, hot beverages, family photo props, and a Santa letter-writing station. The farm is at 5062 Safford Road.Valley View Tree Farm, RoscoeValley View Farm is a family business that grows pre-cut and cut-your-own trees at 6440 Belvidere Road. Attractions include a gift shop, cookies, and wassail. Hours are 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.Keith's Christmas Trees, RocktonKeith's is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 26-28 at 4325 Favor Road. Scotch pine trees only this year.Not great at yielding an axe? We've got you covered...Pre-Cut Tree LotsPerryville Shopping Center (Boy Scout Troop 57)3879 N. Perryville Rd., Rockford, IL (near Meg’s Daily Grind)Southwest Corner of Harrison Ave and Perryville Rd (Boy Scout Troop 181)Harlem United Methodist Church (Boy Scout Troop 206)8401 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, ILHarlem United Methodist Church (Boy Scout Troop 206)8401 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, ILRitschel’s Market Christmas Trees2929 11th St, Rockford, ILRockford Speedway9572 Forest Hills Rd, Loves Park, IL

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Weekend Roundup December 17-19

It is the weekend before Christmas, and whether you are doing last-minute shopping, prepping for a family gathering, or looking to start the partying early… Rockford events won’t let you down.Light displays are still going strong at Nicholas Conservatory, The Festival of Lights, and Anderson Japanese Gardens.You can find even more events to fill your weekend with at rockfordbuzz.com/events! Friday:The Norwegian is bringing back its SnoMarket starting Friday and going all weekend long! They'll be selling food (wild boar sandwiches, mushroom phillies, pretzels & Carlsberg cheese, etc), glögg, hot cocoa, æbleskiver mixes, mimosa flight kits, restaurant swag, toys for kids, & more. Vendors will include talented local potters, print makers, macrame weavers, guitar string jewelry makers, knitters, & other eclectic artists.Check out the event here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/snmarket-41847Hang out at 5Bar to start your holiday celebration early at their Gift Bow Party. Eat, drink, and be merry while sticking hundreds of gift bows to yourself, your friends, consenting strangers, and anything else you can reach!Check out the event here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/gift-bow-partySaturday:Want to know what the New Year has in store for you? Join us in welcoming Rev. Rebecca Medley, the Stateline Medium, to Wolf Hollow on Saturday, December 18th, from noon to 7 pm.As a spiritual healer, Rebecca uses her tools of clairvoyance, clairsentience, claircognizance, and clairaudience to help you find peace, purpose, and direction. Psychic readings are $25 for 15 minutes, cash. Please bring exact change.Check out the event here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/psychic-readings-with-the-stateline-medium-41799If live music is your weekend passion, come out and enjoy an evening of holiday folk/americana music with The Lone Canary at Pig Minds Brewery. This will be the band's last show of 2021, so make sure to get here early! Check out the event here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/the-lone-canary-at-pig-minds-brewing-coSunday:Family craft time at The Pottery Lounge! Don't just see Santa, paint and take home your very own ceramic Santa figurine! $15 ticket includes one ceramic Santa to be painted with acrylic paints, entry for one child and parent, photo op, cookies, and cocoa. Add-on tickets for additional painters are available also.Check out the event here: https://rockfordbuzz.com/cookies-paint-with-santa-41798

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Page 12 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

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Weekend Roundup: February 4 - 6

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Weekend Roundup December 17-19

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Weekend Roundup December 17-19

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