Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

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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A Dining Experience at LimaMar Restaurant

One element of Rockford that we all love is the variety of amazing restaurants available to us. But if you are a true foodie who feels they have tasted everything Rockford has to offer, let us present LimaMar, a Peruvian restaurant.At LimaMar, your whole visit is an experience. They have an extensive cocktail, wine, and beer list, as well as a unique dining menu for you to explore. We decided to give three courses a try and started our night with Conchitas a la Parmesana, scallops broiled with homemade butter, and parmesan cheese. I am a scallop snob, and I was blown away by the freshness, flavor, and texture of these perfectly cooked scallops. After the appetizer, we tried the Orzo Limeno, tenderloin beef marinated with Nikkei sauce (homemade), and orzo with a creamy aji amarillo sauce (a yellow hot pepper that only grows in Peru). Don’t worry, it wasn’t too spicy, it just added this wonderful warmth to every bite. The beef was tender, and the sauce was the perfect pairing.Of course, we couldn’t end our night without dessert, so we ordered Alfajor Icecream, Peruvian cookies stuffed with caramel, alfajor ice cream, and caramel. Delivered were three butter-style cookie sandwiches with a caramel center, and a very shareable scoop of a scrumptious caramel butter cookie ice cream. It was a delicious end to a unique meal right in downtown Rockford!If you are a more hesitant foodie, I highly recommend visiting their website first. They have pictures of almost all the menu items (including cocktails!). https://www.limamarrestaurant.com/We look forward to our next visit to LimaMar!

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Tats for Toys at Tall Tattoo

This time of year, I see a lot of my friends asking for tattoos for the holidays. What if you could help a child have a merrier Christmas, and fulfill your new ink wish at the same time? Tall Tattoo is hosting its 2nd Annual Tats for Toys on December 19th, from 10 am-10 pm. Everyone who donates a toy over $25 value (new, with purchase receipt) will receive a complimentary 2-inch x 2-inch tattoo from one of the Tall Tattoo artists. You are encouraged to bring in your own tattoo design or work with an artist to create a piece at the shop. Shane Pease, owner and artist at Tall Tattoo, began the Tats for Toys event from, “a desire to do better for the community and to help all children have a wonderful Christmas.” So if you're itching for some ink this holiday season and want to support a good cause, stop in and help Tall Tattoo smash last year’s record and spread holiday cheer to our community. Tattoos are first come, first served! No cash donations are accepted, only toys. All toys donated go to Toys For Tots. Tats for Toys Artists:Shane Pease- @TALLTM InstagramJoseph Eisner- Joseph Eisner FacebookSeth Soltow- Seth Soltow Facebook

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There's Something About Merry (get it) is THIS Week(end)!

If the title "There's Something About Merry" doesn't hit you right in the 90's I don't know what will.This market doesn't just offer the most clever name in all the land. It's filled with the handcrafted wonders of more than 40 local makers! It's going to be filled with everything from jewelry, to art, to coffee! No matter the gift, it's sure to be unique and amazing.So if you love the arts and you love supporting local, this market is definitely for you! But where o where is it?! All of this wonderfulness is occurring at Womanspace of Rockford. 3333 Maria Linden Dr Rockford, IL 61114It's happening this Thursday thru Sunday. Times below.Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMSunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PMhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1274825002989100

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Favorite Winter Holiday Event

Are you in the holiday spirit?🎄 We sure are! We have so many favorite traditions but we want to know what your “Favorite Winter Holiday Event” is to do with your loved ones? ⛸ Vote below and let us know!

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Anderson Gardens will be Open for Three Weeks in December!

Enjoy Anderson Gardens in a new light! Anderson Gardens announces Wintertime Lightscapes, a new holiday-themed garden experience starting December 3. Wintertime Lightscapes will be open daily from 3:30 until 8:00 through December 23. For the first time in its 40+ year history, Anderson Gardens will be open for guests to enjoy during the winter. Over half of the Garden will be decorated in white string lights with soft colored accents. Guests are encouraged to stroll the beautifully lit Garden while sipping hot chocolate and listening to Christmas carolers.New this winter, Fresco will be offering dinner service five nights per week in conjunction with Wintertime Lightscapes. Enjoy a fireside dinner in Anderson Gardens’ timber-framed Visitor Center as part of the Garden’s holiday experience. Check the website for dinner dates and hours. General admission rates apply for non-members. Children ten and under are FREE. Admission for Basic Members is $5 and Premium Members are FREE. The entrance for Wintertime Lightscapes is through the Visitor Center. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings feature Christmas Caroling and Musical Performances by local middle and high schools. Check the website for a complete performance schedule.Festive hot chocolate drinks are available for purchase indoors at Fresco and under the Garden Pavilion from Rockford Roasting Company. Check the website for details. Off-site parking is available at the College of Medicine on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to and from the Garden’s Visitor Center. Wintertime Lightscapes is presented by Associated Bank and Collins Aerospace.For complete details, visit www.AndersonGardens.org

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Weekend Roundup December 3-5

December is officially here! That means holiday shopping and festive activities are in FULL SWING here in Rockford! This weekend, Rockford has so many events and activities for you to attend! Whether it's Christmas shopping and deals or a wagon ride, you're sure to find something to get you in the spirit this weekend! You can find even more events to fill your weekend with at rockfordbuzz.com/events! Friday:On Friday, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, join Rockford Park District for a 20-minute ride through some of the beautiful, wintry trails on their holiday-themed wagons. They will have two wagons running per time slot—Limit 15 people per wagon. Face masks are required for this activity.Fee: $5 per personOn Friday, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, join The Pottery Lounge for another ceramic tree workshop! This time around, they will have more trees, including the rare, one-piece vintage tree and the Douglas Fir tree! Limited seats are available. This is a self-guided workshop. They will be on hand to get everyone set up, explain the process, the specialty glazes, and be on hand to answer any questions. Create a festive ceramic that will quickly become a family heirloom to be passed down through generations!Saturday:On Saturday at 10 am, join Lallygag Boutique in shopping LOCAL this holiday season at the Miracle Mile's annual Jingle on the Mile event! 11 businesses are coming together to offer special Jingle Deals all weekend long. Lallygag will have extra deals and activities on Saturday from 10 am-3 pm.> Free Gift to the first 20 customers> Hot Cocoa station> Doogle's Art Pop-Up. Local artist Bryan Douglas will be on-site hand painting ornaments from 10 am-12 pm. Come see his beautiful work!> $10 Jingle Deals& More!On Saturday at 3 pm, head to Village Green Park for Giant S'mores with Sugar Britches! Their fancy, handmade marshmallows meet giant, delicious, chocolate-smeared sugar cookies from Halo Cupcake to make the best s'mores you've ever eaten! Their fire pit will be available in Village Green Park from 3-5 pm to roast these goodies while you enjoy all the festivities during Christmas Walk. S'more Kit is $5 and includes one 3" gourmet marshmallow and two giant cookies. Cash only, please. Best. Dessert. Ever.

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The West Side Show Room is Now Showing Peter and the Starcatcher!

The West Side Show Room is known for its cutting-edge storefront-style theater which has been primarily aimed at adults. Now for the first time, they are bringing their highly theatrical brand of entertainment to families. Featuring eleven local actors portraying over 100 unforgettable characters, Peter and the Starcatcher uses live music, ingenious stagecraft, and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story of Peter Pan to life. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatcher is an imaginative retelling of the origins of Peter Pan as he escapes his orphanage, battles pirates, discovers Neverland, and learns how to fly. On the decision to expand to the theater’s offerings to families, Artistic Director Mike Werckle says that it was a natural extension of the work the theater has been doing since first opening in 2013. “My background is in film and animation, so I tend to gravitate toward stories that lend themselves to spectacle,” they said. “We had done plays like MilkMilkLemonade, Psycho Beach Party, and Men On Boats which are all highly entertaining and which I think kids would love if the subject matter was a little more appropriate.” In 2020, The West Side Show Room presented a COVID-safe holiday show called The Elf-O-Matic vending machine. Children and their families visited an elf that sang songs and dispensed gifts from the vending machine. Werckle was touched by the reaction of parents and kids alike. “As the kids were laughing and dancing I saw a few parents wipe away tears. The importance of regaining live human interaction during the pandemic really seemed to land on them,” Werckle said. “It was then that I realized that the West Side Show Room has a unique capacity to reach adults and kids alike.” Peter and the Starcatcher opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through December 12th, 2021. The West Side Show Room is following the same safety protocols that are currently being used by Broadway theaters. “Audience members must wear masks and present proof of vaccination or a negative test at the door,” Werckle said. “With these measures in place, the public can feel safe returning to live theater.” Peter and the Starcatcher opens Nov 26th, 2021 at The West Side Show Room, 1414 N Main Street in Rockford, Illinois. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children, and $15 for students. All tickets are free on Fridays as part of WSSR’s Free Fridays program. To reserve tickets please visit wssr.org.

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Rockford Art Council Receives National Recognition!

The National Endowment for the Arts recently announced $20,200,000 in grant funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The Rockford Area Arts Council is thrilled to share that we are recommended for $150,000 of the ARP funds for subgranting to help our local arts and cultural community recover from the pandemic; these funds could support job creation, facilities management, health and safety supplies, and/or promotion of events. The ARP funds must be spent over a two-year period. Arts Council Executive Director, Mary McNamara Bernsten, enthusiastically shares, “The Arts Council is thrilled to be one of three Illinois agencies to receive NEA-ARP funding—we are in the company of the Cities of Evanston and Chicago—and we are one of only 66 agencies in the country. We are grateful to our local, state, and federal legislators for their continued support of and advocacy for the arts! The Arts Council will work with our community partners, local artists, and our supportive City and County officials, to provide our community with compelling arts and culture initiatives that will have the greatest possible impact on the Rockford Region. The Arts Council will share its vision with the community in early 2022...stay tuned!” City of Rockford Mayor, Tom McNamara: “Congratulations to the Rockford Area Arts Council and a huge thank you to our federal delegation for providing this grant opportunity. Subgranting these funds will allow RAAC to make a significant impact on many individuals and organizations throughout our arts community and will enhance the arts culture in Rockford.” Rockford Area Arts Council Mission and Purpose Statement The Rockford Area Arts Council exists to support, promote, and develop access to the arts for everyone. We are the collective voice of individual artists and regional arts organizations. We believe in the transformative power of the arts and its ability to set the tone for a city’s creative and cultural infrastructure.

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Try the Burrata at Woodfire!

If you haven't been to Woodfire, stop what you're doing and go there NOW! Their entire menu is to die for, BUT this mouthwatering cheesy, carby concoction holds a very special place in my heart. It's called burrata, and it consists of a bed of deliciously crisp bread, cherry tomatoes, a giant ball of burrata cheese, drizzled in a balsamic glaze and garnished with basil. Honestly, that description alone should be enough for you to want to try it, but the process and the flavor will keep you coming back for more. I know it is traditionally frowned upon to play with your food but there is something so satisfying about slicing into the giant ball of burrata and having its softer creamy insides ooze onto your bread! Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer casing is solid cheese, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it a soft, buttery texture. Once you've sliced it open with your knife or fork, you then spread the cheesy goodness onto your bread and eat it like a slice of pizza! Oh, and it's a LOT… it's basically the size of a personal pizza so prepare to feel full after this appetizer!Pairing this delicious appetizer with a glass of white wine and a basil pesto pizza made for the perfect indulgent dinner for two! Woodfire's menu is drool-worthy, and the ambiance makes for the ideal spot for any occasion! If you haven't tried it, you NEED to. And if you have tried it, then you know exactly what I'm talking about, and your stomach is probably growling at the memories of all the delicious meals you've eaten there!

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Weekend Roundup November 19-21

The cold is here to stay, but that means the holidays have BEGUN! This weekend, Rockford has so many festive events for you to attend! Whether it's Christmas shopping and deals or a holiday concert, you're sure to find something to get you in the spirit this weekend! You can find even more events to fill your weekend with at rockfordbuzz.com/events! Friday:On Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, head to Lallygag Boutique's first annual Pink Friday event. What is Pink Friday? Pink Friday is the small business version of Black Friday. It's positioned the week prior to Black Friday to ensure that small businesses are given the first opportunity to help shoppers in their quest for holiday gifts. Lallygag will be fully stocked with new arrivals and holiday gift ideas. The Backroom will be OPEN… And…. if you wear something Pink, you'll receive a special coupon! Help support small businesses in your neighborhood by joining them on ""PINK FRIDAY," November 19th!On Friday, from 4:30 pm to 7:00pm, join Rockford Park District for a 20-minute ride through some of the beautiful, wintry trails on their holiday-themed wagons. They will have two wagons running per time slot. Limit 15 people per wagon and face masks are required for this activity.Fee: $5 per personSaturday:On Saturday at 10 am, join The Midwest Rustic and Gunny & Co for a candle-making party! You will be able to blend your own scents and make your candle yourself! Chose from a variety of candle vessels to create your custom soy candle. Candles will be created and poured in-store and then can be picked up starting Sunday, November 21st, to allow them to cure and set. Whether you're making a candle all for yourself or as a gift, you won't want to miss out on this unique event!On Saturday at 11 am, head to Pig Minds for Brew & Browse! Start your Christmas shopping early with a beer in one hand and snacks in the other. The Holiday Season is busy, but that shouldn't scratch having a cold one and a snack attack off your list. Pig Minds Brewing will be hanging out at Kegel H-D in the afternoon, serving samples of some of their delicious brews. While you enjoy your brew samples and pub snacks, shop and save *15% off officially licensed full-priced merchandise.Sunday:On Sunday at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, Josh Turner will be singing some country Christmas tunes to get you in the holiday spirit! Tickets start at $32, and the performance begins at 7:30 pm! You won't want to miss out on this fantastic and festive musical performance!

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Stroll on State 2021!

Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving--Small Business Saturday--and is the Rockford region's kick-off to the holiday season. The free community event in downtown Rockford features a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, musical performances, surprise visits from Santa, and so much more! Stroll on State is about experiencing the awe and wonder of what a community can do together. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 27, 2021, to join us for Stroll on State!To ensure a safe return to Stroll on State, RACVB and planning partners have worked closely with the Winnebago County Health Department and the City of Rockford. To minimize transmission of Covid-19 and to comply with event industry best practices several updates have been made for this year’s event including: a larger footprint, multiple tree lighting ceremonies, a new time and location for fireworks, Santa pop-up visits, indoor and outdoor Letters to Santa mailbox locations, requiring masks or face coverings for all indoor locations, additional space between vendors at outdoor markets and hand sanitizing stations located throughout the event, among other enhancements.To learn more visit strollonstate.com.

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Portfolio Day At Rockford Art Museum!

ANNUAL ART COLLEGE FAIRPORTFOLIO DAY @ RAMTUE, NOV 16, 10 AM–3 PMFREE ADMISSION, FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED ROCKFORD ART MUSEUM 711 N MAIN ST, ROCKFORD Rockford Art Museum presents its annual art college fair, Portfolio Day, on Tuesday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with admissions representatives from colleges and universities on site to meet with students. Free admission, free portfolio reviews; no registration required. This event is open to the public and to students of any age (high school and older) wishing to have their portfolio reviewed. Held annually in November, Portfolio Day at RAM—the only event of its kind in the Rockford region— connects students interested in collegiate art programs with some of the best in the Midwest. 2021 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCLUDE: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Columbia College Chicago Art Academy of Cincinnati North Park University Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Northern Illinois University University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee UW-Platteville Edgewood College Millikin University Rockford University Judson University For more information contact Jaymee Fedor at (815) 968-2787 or education@rockfordartmuseum.org; for interviews contact Carrie Johnson at cjohnson@rockfordartmuseum.org or (815) 968-2787. About Rockford Art Museum:Founded in 1913, Rockford Art Museum’s mission is to foster creativity and build community through visual arts. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Connect with us on Facebook @rockfordartmuseum andInstagram @rockfordart #rockfordartmuseum, and go behind the scenes with us on our free mobile app (app.cuseum.com/Rockford-art-museum). Learn more at rockfordartmuseum.org.

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Weekend Roundup November 12-14

TGIF! Relax this weekend; you deserve it! JUST KIDDING, there's no time to relax when Rockford has TONS of fantastic events happening this weekend for you to enjoy! You can find even more events to fill your weekend with at rockfordbuzz.com/events! Friday:On Friday from 6-8:30 pm, head to The Pottery Lounge for a YOU Trivia Night! Test your knowledge of Netflix's hit show YOU while also enjoying light refreshments, door prizes, and painting a piece of pottery! Doors open at 5:45pm, and the first round of trivia will start around 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person. This does not include pottery - choose and pay for pottery on the night of the event.On Friday and Saturday, check out Barnstormer Distillery for their Let's Get Bottling Event! Want to be part of Barnstormer's bottling adventure, write your name on Barnstormer bottles, taste a few of their products & learn more about them? Sign up NOW! This is a FREE event, but there is limited availability so make sure you sign up ASAP!Saturday:On Saturday at 10 am, Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques will be rolling out the carpet for the best winter Holiday merchandise around! From decor to gifts, they have it all! Not only will you be greeted with great inventory, you can also enter to win one of ten turkeys they will be giving away to make your holidays even brighter! And as always, be on the lookout for all the great sales located throughout the mall!Sunday:On Sunday, starting at 3 pm, watch the classic tale Cinderella at Coronado Performing Arts Center! "Cinderella" brings vivid magic to the classic fairy tale. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to the United States to present their captivating two-act performance of Cinderella, one of the most beloved stories of all time. With no fewer than 55 of Ukrainians finest performers, this esteemed ensemble has performed to the delight of audiences worldwide. Set to Sergei Prokofiev's music with Vladimir Vasiliev's choreography, this full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden's story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming. With the help of a bit of magic, she discovers that dreams really can come true. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the whole family will enjoy!

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Try The Veggie Panini At DiTullio's Italian Market & Cafe!

We have another food review for you! I’m going to tell you about all of the mouth-watering flavors in the Veggie Panini at DiTullio’s Italian Market and Cafe! Not only is it a warm and delicious meal for a cold fall day, but the flavors will have you coming back all year round! It starts with a base of ciabatta bread that is toasted to perfection, then they slather on their olive spread, giving it that classic Italian taste. Next, they layer on tomato, artichoke, basil, and the best ingredient of all…MOZZARELLA! They pop that in the panini press until the cheese starts to ooze out of the sides in traditional gooey mozzarella fashion. If that sounds delicious, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Go try it!If that sounds pretty good, but you think it’s missing a little meat, then don’t worry because DiTullio’s Italian Market and Cafe has a LARGE selection of sandwiches with freshly sliced meats and cheeses. They also have a full deli and market of meats, cheeses, sides, and ingredients for you to shop! So whether you grab a quick lunch or need to pick up delicious fresh ingredients to use at home, DiTullio’s has it all!

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2021 Veterans Day Program at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum!

Who: Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum & Rockford Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Where: Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum 211 N. Main St. Rockford Illinois 61101 When: Veterans Day Thursday, November 11, 2021- 10:30 AM to 12 PM What: 2021 Veterans Day Program. The Rockford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution are partnering with Veterans Memorial Hall to present a program honoring Veterans this Veterans Day. The program will include a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served afterwards. Current CDC guideline for mask wearing indoors will be followed. This year’s keynote speaker is Todd R. Burton, Todd currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the United States of America Vietnam War Commemorations. He is a retired Army officer with over 30 years of service with assignments focused on disaster response planning and support to the Department of Homeland Security. Todd deployed to Afghanistan in 2011-12 to provide oversight of finance and contracting operations in the Kabul area. He is currently serving his third tour in the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he now works to support the thousands of commemorative partners across the nation who are helping to thank and honor Vietnam veterans. Todd holds two master’s degrees, one in public administration from Central Michigan University, and a second in strategic studies from the Army War College as well as a Ph.D. from the School of Education and Leadership at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. Locally, Todd leads the local Disabled American Veterans chapter and serves as treasurer for the Winnebago County Veterans Assistance Commission The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Founded during a time that was marked by a revival in patriotism and intense interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. Women felt the desire to express their patriotic feelings and were frustrated by their exclusion from men's organizations formed to perpetuate the memory of ancestors who fought to make this country free and independent. As a result, a group of pioneering women in the nation's capital formed their own organization and the Daughters of the American Revolution has carried the torch of patriotism ever since. Why: Fighting ceased when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918, marking the conclusion of World War I, one of the most destructive and far-reaching wars in human history. June 1, 1954 Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November eleventh as Veterans Day. We come together on this day to honor all those men and women who answered the call to serve our country with bravery and valor. Our freedom is a direct result of their distinguished service.

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Weekend Roundup November 5-7

Cheers to the weekend! This weekend you can head to Rockford City Market’s first Winter Market, Meyer’s Tails Up Farm’s Christmas Market, the opening night for the Rockford IceHogs, AND dispose of your pumpkins in the most exciting way possible with Discovery Center Museum! You can find even more events to fill you weekend with at rockfordbuzz.com/events! Friday:On Friday from 4-8 pm, head to Rockford City Market’s first Winter Market of the season! Find goods from local jewelry makers, soap makers, farmers, crafters, vintage sellers, and more in their building at 116 N Madison Street in downtown Rockford! There will be live music from The Shoes and free admission so make sure you check out all of the amazing vendors at the Winter Market!On Friday and Saturday, check out Meyer’s Tails Up Farm’s 8th annual indoor/outdoor Christmas market with a fun mix of vintage decor and “on-trend” seasonal gifts. You will find a heated barn and 3 heated large tents featuring 35+ fantastic vendors with booths filled with vintage Christmas, florals, new and vintage jewelry, candles, soaps, Holiday decor, delicious candies, painted furniture, Christmas smalls, handmades, clothing, holiday greens, garland and more. Top it off with a tasty hot beverage by the bonfires....tapping your toes to live holiday tunes. We are the Region's Premiere Market for Holiday Shopping!Saturday:On Saturday at 6 pm, support your local Rockford IceHogs for their OPENING NIGHT game against the Grand Rapids Griffins! Tickets start at $11 which is a small price to pay to be able to enjoy a night full of the entertainment and fun that only and IceHogs game can bring!Sunday:On Sunday from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, smash pumpkins with the Discovery Center Museum! Outdoor activities from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Reservations and masks are required. Bring your jack-o-lantern for smashing good time at Discovery Center. Explore ways to crack, smash or pitch your pumpkin using Newton’s Laws of Motion and simple machines. Used jack-o-lanterns will become parking lot projectiles! When the launching ends, pumpkin pieces will be collected and fed to local livestock. For extra fun, build your own tiny catapult, concoct fall crafts and create a pumpkin pegboard.

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Meyer's Tails Up Farm's 2021 Christmas at the Farm!

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Vote for the 815's Best Market!

It's November now, so that means everyone's favorite food holiday is coming up...THANKSGIVING! We want to know where you plan on buying all of your Thanksgiving dinner staples this year! If you vote, you also get a chance to win a gift card to the winning spot!

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State Street Trick-or-Treat!

Join us in Downtown Rockford on Halloween afternoon for a day of spooky celebrations! We will be blocking off State Street from Madison to 1st Street to create an outdoor small business market! Stop by the many storefronts of downtown or the booths of the pop-up small business market to trick or treat yourself! Don't forget to wear a costume! There will be costume contests, photo ops and games for the kids, and specialty drinks and actives for adults as well! Bring the whole family down!Some businesses included in the outdoor business market:- Legacy Vegan Bakehouse- Dipped by Cindy - Floral Moon Magic- Triple T Creations - Ana Iveet Art- Glorieanne- Dylan Rose Art- Apolonia Shopp- Elissa's Sparkling Gemsand there will be a map released of all of the Spooky Spots, you will be able to stop at on the big day!

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Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 13 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Have a Family Friendly New Year

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Have a Family Friendly New Year

Weekend Roundup: December 24-26 2021

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Weekend Roundup: December 24-26 2021

Marengo Christmas Light Spectacular

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Marengo Christmas Light Spectacular

Look for an Evergreen Day is Here!

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Look for an Evergreen Day is Here!

Weekend Roundup December 17-19

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Weekend Roundup December 17-19

A Dining Experience at LimaMar Restaurant

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A Dining Experience at LimaMar Restaurant

Tats for Toys at Tall Tattoo

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Tats for Toys at Tall Tattoo

There's Something About Merry (get it) is THIS Week(end)!

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There's Something About Merry (get it) is THIS Week(end)!

Favorite Winter Holiday Event

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Favorite Winter Holiday Event

Anderson Gardens will be Open for Three Weeks in December!

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Anderson Gardens will be Open for Three Weeks in December!

Weekend Roundup December 3-5

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Weekend Roundup December 3-5

The West Side Show Room is Now Showing Peter and the Starcatcher!

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The West Side Show Room is Now Showing Peter and the Starcatcher!

Rockford Art Council Receives National Recognition!

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Rockford Art Council Receives National Recognition!

Try the Burrata at Woodfire!

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Try the Burrata at Woodfire!

Weekend Roundup November 19-21

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Weekend Roundup November 19-21

Stroll on State 2021!

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Stroll on State 2021!

Portfolio Day At Rockford Art Museum!

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Portfolio Day At Rockford Art Museum!

Weekend Roundup November 12-14

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Weekend Roundup November 12-14

Try The Veggie Panini At DiTullio's Italian Market & Cafe!

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Try The Veggie Panini At DiTullio's Italian Market & Cafe!

2021 Veterans Day Program at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum!

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2021 Veterans Day Program at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum!

Weekend Roundup November 5-7

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Weekend Roundup November 5-7

Meyer's Tails Up Farm's 2021 Christmas at the Farm!

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Meyer's Tails Up Farm's 2021 Christmas at the Farm!

Vote for the 815's Best Market!

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Vote for the 815's Best Market!

State Street Trick-or-Treat!

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State Street Trick-or-Treat!

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