Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

The Olympic Tavern is Celebrating 75 Years!

The Olympic Tavern is celebrating 75 years in business! Founded in 1945 by Anthony Rotello, The Olympic Tavern was originally a 12 stool bar that served local businessmen and factory workers a burger and beer. Over the course of its 75 years in business, it has transformed into the 250+ seat restaurant that Rockford knows and loves today. Their menu ranges from burgers and pizza to steaks, pasta, and salmon as well as a large selection of beer on draft! Their recipe for success is to listen to the customer and always deliver more than expected. Technically their 75th year was in 2020, but due to the pandemic, they were unable to celebrate in person so they have partnered with Joe Tallman Illustration to create the perfect merch to celebrate their anniversary this year! Here's one of their awesome styles!BUT their merch sale and pre-order ends TODAY! There will be no other time to snag one of these awesome pieces so if you want to help The Olympic Tavern celebrate their 75 years in business head to https://the-olympic-tavern.myshopify.com/ to order your merch RIGHT NOW! SERIOUSLY…GO RIGHT NOWWWW!

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It's National Bao Day!

It’s National Bao day everyone! And you know what that means, it’s time to BAO DOWN to the bao! Bao is a steamed meat/veggie-filled bun dish that originated in North China! These delicious savory meals have been gaining a lot of popularity recently for their versatile and fun street-food qualities. Bao can be filled and shaped similar to a dumpling, or be folded and filled taco style! The bao bun is a smooth and fluffy steamed bun that tastes like a perfect blank canvas for whatever is inside. They can often be tricky to make perfectly and need several hours to rise but it is SOOO worth it for their amazing texture! But of course, we can’t talk about bao without talking about Rockford’s very own Octane! I'm going to insert a mouth-watering photo of one of the bao variations on their menu below!ALSOOO, Octane recently launched its very own food truck KA-BAO! (Absolutely genius name, we know!) Their menu consists of three different baos, as well as fries, a kids menu, and beverages (including capris suns, which we think are for the kids, buuuuuuutttttt, I don’t think they would turn down any capris-sun-loving adults)! To stay up to date on all things KA-BAO, you can follow them on Instagram @Kabao815, Twitter @815Kabao, or look for updates on Octane’s Facebook page! Try it out…seriously…they’re to die for!Check out this sponsor at: https://rockfordbuzz.com/octane-interlounge

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Weekend Roundup August 20-22

We hope you love live music and delicious food and drinks because that’s what Rockford has in store this weekend! There will be live music ALL WEEKEND LONG at some of the 815’s best bars! It’s a great weekend for good music and enjoying the weather!Friday:On Friday at 6:00 pm, The Jeremy Smolen Duo is at Pig Minds! Pig Minds is a delicious FULLY VEGAN restaurant a brewery! They just recently added Beyond Chicken Tenders to their menu for you to try as well as a Mac n’ Cheese and Italian Beef Pizza! Their happy hour is Monday-Friday from 3 to 6 pm with $1 off select pints! So make Friday night a fun one by kicking back with a beer and some vegan pizza and listening to some great live music by The Jeremy Smolen Duo!Saturday:On Saturday at 9:00 pm, 5Bar is hosting a Toga House Party with Jon Bon Stamos! They have a specific menu for their August house parties consisting of all the coolest cocktails as well as JELLO SHOT FLIGHTS!! Jon Bon Stamos is a 4-piece band that plays what they call “stolk folk” AKA rock music with a banjo! So reminisce on your college days by dressing up in your finest DIY toga and jamming to a rock band at a house party! But unlike college you won’t be in a dirty basement drinking jungle juice, you will be at a funky bar with fun adult cocktails that aren't mixed in a giant Gatorade cooler!Sunday:On Sunday at 2:00 pm, chill at Screw City Tavern with deLaney on the Patio! Kick back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon of good music, food, beer, and warm weather at Screw City Tavern! While you’re there, you can try the Brisket Mac and Cheese that Jake reviewed for you last week! You won’t regret eating some delicious meaty Mac while enjoying a warm day and good tunes!These are only a few of the awesome activities and events going on in Rockford this weekend, so make sure you check out https://rockfordbuzz.com/events for more!

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A Brief History of The Rockford Sock Monkey

If you live in or around Rockford, then I’m sure at some point you have seen something about sock monkeys. Or maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about. Either way, if you want to learn about the history of the Rockford Sock Monkey, keep on reading! I PROMISE, this won’t sound like a boring history lesson, I mean how could it possibly be boring in the first place? It’s about SOCKS!!So basically, back in 1857, a guy named John Nelson and his family moved to Rockford and Nelson was so sad and bored with his life because he was a carpenter and cabinet maker when his unrealized passion was actually SOCKS. But one day he decided to invent a home knitting machine in his shop, and this is where life really started to look up for John Nelson because a couple of really rich people (Ralph Emerson and W. A. Talcott) decided to help Nelson develop his knitting machine by investing a little bit of their cash money into the project! When Nelson’s machine was officially developed and patented in 1871, it could knit 80 pairs of socks in ONE DAY!! (I know what you’re thinking, 80 pairs of socks?? Big whoop! But in 1871, this was probably a big deal.)Unfortunately, John Nelson’s life took a pretty sharp dive in 1883 when he died of typhoid pneumonia, but hopefully he didn’t die with too many regrets cause he had a pretty successful life and unknowingly led to the creation of the sock monkey! After Nelson died, his family took over ownership and operations of his legacy, Forest City Knitting. During World War I, Forest City Knitting really ramped their numbers up and started producing nearly 3,000 pairs of socks per day for the army! Also during this same time, over 60% of their employees were women! (WHOOP WHOOP GIRL POWER!) One day in 1932, the Lord himself blessed a man by the name of Howard Monk with the most genius idea he has ever had. Howard Monk, the Rockford advertising executive, suggested that Forest City Knitting add a red heel to the Nelson sock to make it stand out from competitors. Shortly after, Forest City Knitting was producing 4,000 pairs of red heel socks a day. A SERIOUS step up from their numbers in 1871!SO, this fancy new red heel inspired a few people to make a certain children’s toy out of their old socks…I think you know where I'm going with this. A woman from Colorado named Helen Cooke got a patent for the sock monkey in 1953, but when she found out a man named Stanley Levy from Denver, Colorado was selling sock monkeys in his shop, she wanted to SUE him for stealing her idea. Stanley Levy reached out to the Nelson Knitting Company and said “Hey guys, this girl from Colorado is trying to sue me for selling sock monkeys in my shop made out of your socks because she thinks she invented the idea in 1953, do you wanna help me prove her wrong?”, and Nelson Knitting Company said “ACTUALLY this genius woman from Rockford by the name of Grace Winget made the OG sock monkey for her grandson in 1951! So therefore the patent belongs to us!”…well, at least I think that’s how the conversation went. But in 1970 the patent for the sock monkey expired, so now everyone can make sock monkeys!Now you can officially consider yourself educated on the history of the Rockford sock monkey! You’re welcome! Well, actually you can thank Midway Village Museum because they have a much more thorough and professional sounding history of the sock monkey on their website, so make sure you check that out!Source: http://midwayvillage.com/pdfs/Sock-Monkey-Resource-Packet.pdf

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Loaded Brisket Mac n' Cheese.

The title says it all...It's Brisket. It's Barbeque Sauce. And it's LOADED on top of an amazing mac n' cheese.I'm gonna give you a minute to find yourself a napkin and wipe that drool off of your face before I continue.Before I answer the question you're asking me right now (Where on God's green earth can I find this heavenly creation?), I'm gonna tease you with further adjectives.As the menu describes, it's a classic tavern style mac. They use the superior form of noodles. None of that elbow nonsense you dealt with as a child. Nope! These are giant spiral noodles with tons of space for cheesy goodness. Speaking of cheese, it's amazing. We've all had the lackluster mac with cheese that's not very cheesy. This is NOT the case. The cheese is a delectable beer cheese and it's to die for.This cheesy, noodley, masterpiece is then topped with barbecue sauce, beef brisket, and pickled onions. Making an already superior mac experience the king of 815 Macs! The Loaded Brisket Mac n' Cheese. THE KING, I SAY!!!Okay okay okay. You've been patient enough. You can head to Screw City Tavern to give your tastebuds this heavenly experience. Of course, you probably arrived here from social media and already knew this from us tagging their social page. But I couldn't resist having a little fun.Now go on! Head to Screw City Tavern. Grab some deliciousness. And support one of our beautiful sponsors as well. Screw City Tavern Facebook Page

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815 DAY IS HERE!

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR!!! AKA 815 DAY, AKA ROCKFORD DAY, AKA THE BEST DAY IN THE WORLD!! Well okay maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves there, but it's definitely one of the coolest days in Rockford! 815 Day happens every year on August 15th and is just an awesome day for everyone to celebrate and support Rockford, whether that’s eating at a local restaurant, shopping at a local business, or helping out a local organization! This year, 815 Day falls on a Sunday and since a lot of great local spots are closed on Sundays they’ve decided to celebrate Rockford day for the entire weekend! So this year there are THREE WHOLE DAYS of 815 Day! Ways to Celebrate:There are a lot of ways to celebrate 815 Day, but here are some of our favorites:Wear 815 swag! Any Rockford shirt or local business swag you have, WEAR IT! Take pictures with your friends celebrating the 815 and use the hashtags #815Day2021 or #RockfordDay2021 when you post!Eat at a local restaurant! Support your favorite local restaurants and dine in or carry out from local spots anytime during the weekend!Shop at a local store! Got any birthdays coming up? Want to get a head start on Christmas? Just want to treat yourself? Browse some of Rockford’s local businesses and pick up some unique finds that you just can’t get at a mega-store!Go to an 815 Day event! There are so many fun events going on this weekend to celebrate the 815! Get out there and have fun!Events:If you’ve been reading, then you saw the final bullet point was to go to an 815 Day event. The truth is I could list every event happening and make this article unbearably long. OOORRRR, I could just link you to our events page with the full list of 815 Day things. And because we’re ambitiously lazy over here at Rockford Buzz, I’m going to do the latter. So here you go! https://rockfordbuzz.com/events?category=1467 Deals:Guess what!! There are more than just events going on over 815 Day Weekend. Tons of local businesses are running fun 815 (and 779) themed specials. And just like events, we’ve created a special section on our website for them. Here’s the link to take you there… https://rockfordbuzz.com/deals?category=1466 So after hearing all of the great stuff happening this weekend, we know you CAN’T WAIT for Friday so you can start celebrating! Consider this your cordial invitation to all of the 815 Day festivities and celebrate this awesome community we live in, support the wonderful people who have created businesses here, and most importantly, have fun! If you do document your 815 Day activities, tag #RockfordBuzz so we can see all of you lovely people out there having a blast in the 815!

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Local Photographer Hosts Pool Party Photo Sessions

ATTENTION ALL LADIES!! (and guys too)There's a pool party going on and you're invited!It’s time to relax, meet fantastic and inspiring friends, and show off your favorite vacation, lounge, and poolside ensembles, swimsuits, + accessories! It's one of our last chances to celebrate a fantastic summer. And Toni wants to have everyone celebrate themselves and their authentic beauty at her Whisper Studios Pool Party & Photoshoot! The party is the perfect time for incredible wall art, couples sessions, and group photos!It's not just water and photos though. There's also going to be... a DJ, Snacks (mmmm snacks), Non-Alcoholic Beverages & Mixers Available, and you can spin the Wheel Of Prizes, plus ALL DAY On The Spot Giveaways! (YAY! PRIZES!) The short version is... there's a lot going on!So If you've ever wanted a totally unique photo shoot experience with a ton of pool-side fun, then Toni at Whisper Studios has put together the event for you. The event IS 18+ and co-ed, so bring your hubby too.You can pre-register at Eventbrite at the link below.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whisper-studios-pool-party-photoshoots

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Weekend Roundup August 6-8

TGIF! It’s weekend again and there’s a lot of fun things happening in Rockford! Let your kids be creative at the Discovery Center Museum, watch some KNIB mud volleyball, walk through the decades at Midway Village Museum, or just chill at Screw City Tavern!On Friday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, Discovery Center Museum is hosting Splatter Art! We understand how that sounds, very messy, but that’s why it’s happening at the Discovery Center Museum and not your house! You kids get to be creative, messy and make beautiful splatter art and you aren’t responsible for cleaning up the mess! Doesn’t that sound like heaven? Kids can splatter paint using unusual objects like fly swatters, paper clips, magnets, shaving cream, and more! The cost of this activity is included with museum admission ($9) and is free for members and children ages 1 and younger! So bring your kids and let them make a fun and creative mess!On Saturday, starting at 8:00 am, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is having its annual Mud Volleyball Tournament! Unfortunately, the deadline to participate in the tournament has already passed, but you can still go out, drink some beer, and cheer on your favorite team! You will also be supporting KNIB which is an environmental resource center that advocates for waste reduction, recycling, conserving resources, and environmental protection in the Stateline area! Who doesn’t love drinking beer, watching mud volleyball, and supporting a great cause??On Saturday at 11:00 am, Midway Village Museum invites you to Decades: Travel Through Time 1830s - 1970s! You can explore seven different interactive history stations where History Interpreters dressed in period clothing will share stories from the past and educate you about the pop culture and lifestyles of that era. The event also includes performances from Charlotte’s Web Music Venue as well as authentic Mexican cuisine from Tacos El Rey food truck! Admission is only $8-$12 and is free for members!On Sunday at 2:00 pm, chill at Screw City Tavern for their Sunday Grill & Chill with Dario Radio Piano Sing-Along on the Patio! Kick back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon of good music, food, beer, and warm weather at Screw City Tavern!These are only a few of the awesome activities and events going on in Rockford this weekend, so make sure you check out https://rockfordbuzz.com/events for more!

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Kegel's has won the 2021 NBDA Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award!

We have some awesome news! Rockford’s local bike shop, Kegel’s Bicycle Store, received the 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)! This certification is granted to fewer than 200 bicycle shops across the country and signifies Kegel’s as one of the top local bicycle retailers in the United States. Kegel’s Bicycle Store has been in Rockford since 1927 when it first opened on State and Madison Street. In 1979, Kegel’s moved to its current location on Charle’s Street, and only one year later, Robb Sinks, the future owner of the company, would be employed there! Robb has now owned Kegel’s for 24 years, but the message remains the same, outstanding customer service, quality products, and a SERIOUS love for bikes. With everything from BMX bikes to trail riding, fitness, and kids bikes, Kegel’s not only has everything you need but also repairs what you already have! They have a strong presence in the biking community as well as the Rockford community. They work closely with the Rockford Park District to maintain the biking trails at Atwood park and provide tips and awareness around proper bike etiquette on dirt trails to ensure they don’t deteriorate. Rockford has been able to love and enjoy Kegel’s Bicycle Store for over 100 years but now we can also have pride in knowing they are one of the best bike shops in the country. NBDA President, Heather Mason, had this to say about Kegel’s:“The Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award requires not only great shopping experiences and expert leadership and staff, but also support for their local community and national cycling advocacy. Each retailer awarded fits these criteria and more. The local bicycle retailer is not only a store, but also a pillar of a community. By being given this award, Kegel’s has proven that they exemplify this ideal.”The National Bicycle Dealers Association is a non-profit organization established in 1946 which promotes the interests of cycling and specialty bicycle retail across North America. The NBDA certification process is lengthy and rigorous, which further exemplifies what an honor this is for Kegel’s! So head down to Kegel’s Bicycle Store and congratulate them on their outstanding achievement!

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The History of Rockford's Magic Waters!

In honor of National Water Park Day on Wednesday, we decided it would be fun to tell Rockford a little bit about the history of our beloved Magic Waters (now Hurricane Harbor)! Although Magic waters was originally built under private ownership in 1984, the Rockford Park District was heavily involved in the planning. After 2 years of private operation, Magic waters filed for bankruptcy and the Rockford Park District officially stepped in, increasing its attendance by 50%. In 2018, after 32 years of operation by the Rockford Park District, Six Flags announced it would be operating Magic Waters by spring of 2019. In August of 2019 Six Flags officially renamed Magic Waters to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Due to a delay during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Harbor officially opened in July 2020. Hurricane Harbor features 12 water slides and 3 pools! One of the greatest family attractions, Splash Magic River, was added to the park in 1993. Another attraction for younger kids is Tiki Island, a multilevel water playground with mini water slides, waterfalls, and plenty of areas to climb and explore! For more experienced swimmers, the Tidal Wave is the Midwest’s first and only tailspin waterslide reaching speeds of up to 15 miles per hour! There is also the Double Dare Drop which is a seven-story high, near-vertical slide where you feel as if you're free-falling as you plummet down 75 FEET! Hurricane harbor also has five concession stands and two dippin’ dots stands for when you need to refuel after a long day of massive waterslide drops and swimming in the wave pool. Hurricane Harbor (formerly Magic Waters) is one of Rockford’s biggest attractions and a great place for the whole family to cool off in the summer heat! It has brought the people of Rockford so much joy for nearly 37 years so get out there and enjoy an adventurous day on the slides or a relaxing day in the lazy river before it closes for fall!Sources: https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockfordhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Flags_Hurricane_Harbor_RockfordImage Source: https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockford

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Weekend Roundup July 30 - August 1

The weekend is finally here! Rockford has some fun activities in store this weekend including, trivia, a spiritual medium, kayaking, and more! So whether you want to show off your Office Trivia knowledge, get some spiritual guidance, learn to kayak, or anything in between, Rockford has you covered. Ahhh, that’s why we love the 815, always giving us the coolest events and activities to participate in every weekend! Have fun Rockford!On Friday at 6:00 pm, The Pottery Lounge is hosting The Office Trivia Paint Night! If you love The Office and painting pottery, test your knowledge and win some fun prizes! After you pick what pottery piece you want to paint, you can sit with friends or whoever you would like and begin painting! Trivia questions will be asked every 30 minutes and a winner will be announced after each round! There will be pizza, cake, and grape soda to snack on while you paint, test your Office knowledge, and win prizes!On Saturday, starting at noon, The Stateline Medium is coming to Wolf Hollow! Rebecca Medley (The Stateline Medium) is a spiritual healer who uses her spiritual gifts and tools to help you find peace, purpose, and direction. Walk-in sessions are welcome from 4:30-7 pm, and each session is 15 minutes long! Whether you want general guidance or have a specific area of your life you need direction in, The Stateline Medium can help. When you’re done with your session you can look around Wolf Hollow at their wonderful oddities and gifts!On Sunday at 1:00 pm, Rocktown Adventures is teaching an Intro to Kayaking class at Rock Cut State Park! Whether you’ve never been kayaking at all or have been but simply want to get more comfortable, this class is the perfect opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills for your next kayaking adventure! There are not many better ways to spend a peaceful Sunday afternoon than in a kayak enjoying the beautiful scenery of Rock Cut State Park. Make sure you register ahead of time to get a spot! These are only a few of the awesome activities and events going on in Rockford this weekend, so make sure you check out https://rockfordbuzz.com/events for more!

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Cool Off This Summer With Rockford Splash Pads

It’s National Waterpark Day! But since everyone already knows about Magic Waters (Six Flags Hurricane Harbor), we decided to let you know about the awesome (and free) splash pads that Rockford has to offer! With the weather heating up, splash pads are the perfect way for the whole family to cool off. Splash pads are generally safer than pools for younger children, so parents can rest easy while the kids are playing, OR you can get in there and play in the splash pad yourself! According to Rockford Park District’s website, there are over 13 different splash pads in Rockford that operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day! The splash pads listed below are activated by the push of a button from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm every single day!Splash Pads and locations according to RPD’s website:Beattie Playground (1251 Rural Street, Rockford, IL)Blackhawk Park (101 15th Avenue, Rockford, IL)Bloom School Playground (2901 Pelham Road, Rockford, IL)Brown Park (2010 North Main Street, Rockford, IL)Churchill Park (2002 7th Avenue, Rockford, IL)Harmon Park (1924 East Gate Parkway, Rockford, IL)Highland Park (3011 Rural St., Rockford, IL)Keye-Mallquist Park (1702 11th Street, Rockford, IL)Liberty Park (1555 Morgan Street, Rockford, IL)Mandeville Park (650 Montague Road, Rockford, IL)Sabrooke Playground (2900 Kishwaukee St., Rockford, IL)S. Henrietta Park (527 S. Henrietta Street, Rockford, IL)Washington Park (3617 Delaware Street, Rockford, IL)Labor Day is September 6th, so get out there and enjoy the weather before the splash pads close down for the fall! For more information and a complete list of rules regarding splash pad usage, check out https://rockfordparkdistrict.org/spray-pads. Credit to Stateline Kids for the photo!

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The Best Rockford Restaurants with Vegan/Vegetarian Options!

With so many vegetarians and vegans out there these days, we wanted to create a list of local Rockford restaurants that accommodate them! Below are just some of Rockford’s favorite local spots and their vegetarian and vegan options! Also, this list is not in any sort of order other than Pig Minds being first because it is an entirely vegan restaurant!Pig Minds:Number one on our list is, of course, Pig Minds! Pig Minds is a vegan’s paradise because every single thing on the menu is vegan! You don’t have to worry about asking for no cheese or sauce because everything is animal-free. But not only is it vegan, it’s also delicious! Vegans and meat-eaters alike can enjoy everything from the patty melt burger to the fried avocado tacos because it is all SO good!Rathskeller Rockford:Rathskeller Rockford has a great selection of vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! From their vegan banana chocolate muffin in the morning, vegetable döner kebap for lunch, and their vegan “hot dog” for dinner, there will never be a shortage of exciting foods to try. Rathskeller Rockford’s modern take on German fare will appeal to any meat-lover or meat-less foodie!Octane:Although Octane only has a few vegan and vegetarian options, what they have is delicious. The spicy buffalo cauliflower bao is TO DIE FOR. Seriously…the cauliflower is fried and crispy to perfection, the sauce is amazing, and the pickled onions add the perfect level of tang, it’s a must-try for anyone and everyone!Abreo:Abreo has several great vegetarian options! They do not indicate any vegan options on their menu, however, we’re sure accommodations could be made. They have an innovative menu and a luxurious ambiance that makes it the perfect place for a fancy night out! Baker Street Burgers:Baker Street Burgers gives you the option of substituting any of their beef burger patties with a Beyond patty or traditional veggie burger patty, which makes it a great option for any burger-loving vegan/vegetarian! They also have an outstanding mac and cheese for all of the carb lovers out there!Lucha Cantina:Lucha Cantina has a couple of good options! There are so many delicious salsas to fill up on before the meal but they also have a cauliflower taco and a burrito that can be made vegetarian or vegan!Woodfire:VEGAN CHEESE…need I say more? All Woodfire pizzas can be made with vegan cheese which is amazing for all vegan and dairy-free peeps out there! They also have several meat-free pizza options for vegetarians, so anyone in your crew can enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza!Prairie Street:Prairie Street has an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan options. They have Impossible patties for any of their burgers as well as a black bean patty, several appetizers and salad options, and a VEGAN CHEESECAKE! Yeah…just go. Try it all. You won’t regret it.The Norwegian:The Norwegian has an Impossible sausage breakfast sandwich for brunch and an Impossible burger for lunch! They also have several other vegan and vegetarian options, which makes it a great breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot for any plant-based peeps!Thunder Bay Grille:Thunder Bay Grille has a hearty selection of vegetarian/vegan-friendly salads, entrees, appetizers, and an Impossible burger! Also, if you love mushrooms, this is the place for you! They have a cheesed stuffed mushroom cap appetizer and two portabella entrees! John’s Pizza:John’s Pizza has a LARGE selection of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu! They have an Impossible Burger, a vegan pizza, as well as several pasta dishes. All items on the menu are very clearly marked if they are vegetarian or vegan which makes it very easy to know what the options are! We hope you go out and try some new spots after this! However, this list is not comprehensive and we would love to know what some of YOUR favorite local veg/vegan spots or meals are! Let us know in the comments or DMs on our social media!

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Weekend Roundup July 23-25

Well, it’s finally the weekend again! So you can either lay in bed all weekend or enjoy some awesome activities in Rockford! (Both are respectable choices in our book) But it’s the last few weeks of summer and the weather will be HOT, so we suggest getting out there and enjoying it.On Friday at 6:00 pm, Tutti Loops is playing at Pig Minds Brewery! Pig Minds never charges a cover, so all you have to do is show up, drink some deliciously local beer, eat some of the best vegan food in the area, and enjoy the show! With Tom Rucker on the guitar and Tyler Smith on the steel pan, Tutti Loops is the perfect chill music to unwind to after your work week! So grab some friends, order a Happi Daze blueberry beer to beat the heat, and end your Friday on a high note with Tutti Loops.On Saturday, starting at 9:00 am, Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques is having an outdoor market full of unique vintage, handmade, and new treasures! There will be so many exciting vendors outside, but if you need to cool off, you can step inside Hidden Treasure’s 37,000 square foot shop! Whether you’re inside or out, we know you will find the perfect addition to your home, collection, or wardrobe…you just can’t be scared of a little treasure hunting.On Sunday at Anderson Japanese Gardens, you can enjoy a traditional Japanese dance demonstration! Awa Odori is a traditional dance that started as a harvest dance in ancient Japan but evolved into a massive citywide dance party during the late 1500s. The performance is from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm and the cost of viewing the dance is included in general admission into the gardens. So enjoy the sights and sounds of this traditional Japanese dance on the beautiful backdrop of the gardens!These are only a few of the awesome activities and events going on in Rockford this weekend, so make sure you check out https://rockfordbuzz.com/events for more!

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Vote for the 815's Best Ice Cream!

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!Ice cream needs no introduction and for YOUR chance to win a $50 gift card to the 815's TOP ice cream place, just cast your vote below!

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Vote For Your Favorite Outdoor Adventure Spot!

Thrill-seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, fun havers… we are talking to YOU! We want to know where you like to go to get your engine revved up to feel the wind through your hair and where you go to get that adrenaline high.Cast your vote below and be entered in a chance to win a $50 gift card to one of these awesome places.

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Vote for the Best Nerd Shop in Rockford!

Let's face it, we're all nerds. Whether you nerd out on sports, music, movies, or games. We've all got a little nerd in us.For Star Wars Day, we thought it appropriate to highlight our favorite comics, cards, and board game shops in the 815. Cast your vote below and be entered in a chance to win a $50 gift card to one of the shops!We wish you the best and may the force be with you!

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ArtScene is Back!

Great news for all you art fans out there! SPRING ARTSCENE IS BACK!!! After having to take 2020 off, for obvious reasons, the Rockford Area Arts Council is super excited to bring ArtScene back to Rockford.What is ArtScene, I hear you ask? ArtScene is a gallery walk that occurs across the Rockford region. Local businesses open their doors to host our local artists in an effort to raise awareness of the wonderful cultural assets this city has to offer!According to the RAAC website,ArtScene offers a wide variety of art to appreciate and purchase including jewelry, paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, quilts/fiber art, and more! Artists are available for conversation—sharing the approach and inspiration for their work. Select venues have food and beverages available for their visitors, at no cost, and most surrounding restaurants and shops are open for your enjoyment.It truly is something that needs to be experienced. The details on dates, times, AND venues is all below!Spring ArtScene 2021 is April 23 and 24—5-9 p.m. on Friday night and 4-9 p.m. on Saturday night. All venues will have maps/artist listings for visitors.Venue locations include (*new venue):*304 Main: 304 N Main St, Rockford IL 61101 ADA AccessibleVarious and Sundry. Featuring: Pablo Korona, Heather Johnson, Mario Duarte and Bounsay Pipathsouk317 Art Collective: 317 Market St, Rockford IL 61107Radiant! Featuring: Members and Resident ArtistsBennie’s Cleaners: 126 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107The Elephant in the Room. Featuring: Sue Abare, Savon Blosser, Terry Brown, Jose Sente, Drew Eurek, Marsha Goodheart, Norm Knott, Cynthia Linnabary, Karla Lombardo, Wanie Reeverts, Manny Tang, Shannon Blosser, Mic Steede, Meg Turley, Sherry Pritz, Tom Linden, Joelene Chinn, Sherrie Dorr, Karl Jahnke, Jim RegnierCity Hall: 425 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104Heroes of American Women’s Voting Rights. Featuring: Janie Wilson-CookElectric Union Records: 321 N Church St, Rockford, IL 61101 ADA AccessibleFrom A to Z : Angel RodriguezGEM: Gather, Engage, Make: 406 E State St, Rockford IL 61104 ADA AccessibleFeaturing: SRM Prints, Andria Green Textiles, Current Location Letterpress, Molly Carter, Britt Bunton, Quarry House Press, Every Person Vintage, Wolf Wren Press, Carmen Turner, Jenny Mathews, Holiday Hearts Crafts, Toya’s Healing Artisan*Here (Fatherless): 727 1st Ave, Rockford IL 61104 ADA AccessibleFeaturing: Fatherless and RKFDJ.R. Kortman Gallery: 107 N Main St, Rockford IL 61101It’s an Odd World. Featuring: Andrew Harlan*Meta Beauty Collective: 2209 E State St, Rockford IL 61104 ADA Accessible Feminism to a Woman Artist. Featuring: Aimee Shields, Michaela Wachlin, Margaret McGraw, Sabrina Tassoni, Kristin Hastings*Nancie King Mertz: 905 Ridgewood Rd, Rockford IL 61107Featuring: Nancie King MertzOak Street Health: 301 E State St Rockford IL 61104 ADA AccessibleAgeless. Featuring: Jovan MihailovicRockford MakerSpace: Access to Rockford MakerSpace via the alley next to 317 Mulberry St, Rockford IL 61101. Partially ADA AccessibleFeaturing: Rockford MakerSpace Members.Smith & Sons: 315 Market St, Rockford IL 61107Paradiso: An Outlaw Mudshow Show. Featuring: Molly Carter, Kris McQueeny, Javier Jimenez, Lisa Jimenez, Dave Menard, Raid, Jesus Abraham Correa VIITEST SITE: 213 N 3rd St, Rockford, IL 61107The Art of Subversion. Featuring: Drew Eurek, Roni Golan, Meico Gowan, Wild Husky Leatherworks, Dennis WilsonThe Irish Rose: 519 E State St, Rockford IL 61104 ADA AccessibleUpstairs at the Irish Rose. Featuring: Breanda Fedie, Abigail Joyce, Kris Theiss, Eleanor Boersma*The Milk House Art Show at Pioneer Hall: 121 S Madison St, Rockford IL 61104Featuring: Carrie Johnson, Drew Eurek, Ben Boyce, Andrew Jacob Holm, Marques Morel, Christina Holm, Tom McHale, Sola Holm, Harvest Day, Raven Day, Jushshop, Barn Owl Woodworks, Jenny Mathews, Dustin Eckhardt, Danielle Mosley, Melinda Cook, Zack, Jessie Prouty, Paige Griffin, Summer Wagner, Asia MichaelaThe Underground: 418 E State St, Rockford IL 61104 ADA AccessibleFacing Reality. Featuring: Roni GolanVeterans Memorial Hall: 211 N Main St, Rockford IL 61101 ADA AccessibleThe Art of Healing- Comfort Thru Art. Featuring: Sinnissippi Quilters, Alisa Funnell, Dan Faler, Katie Beck. Sunshine Stitches- Quilts of Valor*Visitor Center for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House: 4627 Spring Brook Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 ADA AccessibleFeaturing:John Verl McNamara, Barbara McNamara, Sarah Reed-McNamara, Therese Rowinski, Greg Whitson

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Haunted Rockford Presents: Warner “Varney” Samuel Anderson

Warner Samuel Anderson was born in Geneva, Illinois June 18, 1866 to parents Swan and Frederika. Later records would state that his parents had both been born in Sweden. According to records in Ancestry, Swan and Frederika Anderson came over from Sweden on the ship Lucia in May of 1852. Varney was the fourth of seven children born to the Anderson family. Swan worked as merchant tailor and Frederika took care of the children. By 1880, the family had moved to Elgin where Swan worked at the watch factory. Frederika passed away in November of 1879 and the oldest daughter Emily was still living at home helping to care for her younger brothers and sisters. Varney would follow his father’s footsteps and work in the Watch factory. But Varney had bigger plans. He knew that Rockford also had a Watch Fatory that had gained quite a reputation for their quality watches since their opening in 1875. Some might argue that this is what lured the young man to move here. But they would only be half right. There was another reason why Varney chose to make Rockford his home. Besides having a Watch Factory, Rockford also had a Minor League Baseball League. Varney came because Rockford had been making a name for itself on the baseball field. He loved the game and hoped that Rockford would help him make his dream of playing in the Major Leagues a reality. The newspapers from the day are filled with headlines and articles about Varney’s success here in Rockford and eventually beyond. In 1887, when he was only 21 years old, Varney was playing for the Milwaukee Brewers in the Minor Leagues. He played for two different teams during the 1888 season; the Minneapolis Millers and the St. Paul Apostles. In 1889, Varney’s dream finally came true when he was chosen to be a playerr for the Major Leagues. Rockford hailed Varney as a hometown hero when it was announced that he had secured the position of piitcher and outfielder for the Indiana Hooisers. He only played in 2 games that year. In 1890, he became a player and the manager of the Burlington Hawkeyes in Iowa. Varney wasn’t only noticed by the men who attended his games. The women in the area would gather on Ladies Day to watch the handsome young man pitch against team after team. Varney would eventually fall for one of his fans and he married Florence Doughty in 1891. Florence would always claiim to be his biggest fan. The happy couple would have three daughters over the years.. Varney would travel during the season and Florence and the rest of Rockford always made a big deal of welcoming him home again when the season ended. Varney was hailed as a great team manager and continued to climb the ladder of success.In 1895, Varney was invited to join the Washington Senators/ He must have felt like all of his hardwork paid off during his time with the Washington team The local newspapers weren’t the only ones talking about Varney’s skills on the baseball field. He was mentioned in the 1894 issue of Sporting Life. “Varney Anderson, surprised ntingent by his wonderful work in the box against them. His main strength appeared to be in his deceptive drop, which he has completely under his control.” Varney continued to play for the Washington Senators and 1895 was definitely his best year. He pitched in 29 games and had 35 strike outs that year. Varney had achieved his life long goal of playing in the Major Leagues but he also knew that he was getting older. He returned to Rockford to help manage the team and to play for the town that helped him achieve his dream. Headlines in 1897 told of Varney’s successes. One from August 23, 1897 claimed, “(Varney Anderson) Contributed to the Most Sensational Finish Ever Seen in Rockford!”Varney and his wife Florence raised their three girls in their little house on South Main Street here in Rockford. Varney wanted to give back to the community that had given him so much. He became a Freemason and joined the E.F. Ellis Masonic Lodge. Varney was as successful as a Freemason as he was on the field. He became Master of the Lodge in 1902. Varney and Florence purchased a house on South Main Street where they would finish their days. Varney lost Florence to illness on January 24, 1931. He laid her to rest in Willwood Burial Park. He would join her there after his death on November 5, 1941. Join Rockford Historical Society for their Annual Cemetery Walk on Saturday, June 5, 2021 10:00AM – 1:00PM. This year we will be sharing stories for the Willwood Burial Park 7000 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102. For more information, please call Kathi at 815-871-4239.

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HIRING ALERT : Rockford Park District

Spend your summer making money in the sun! The Rockford Park District is looking for lifeguards to help keep our three public pools safe this season.Opportunities available at Alpine Pool, Harkins Pool, and Sand Park Pool. Starting wage is $12 per hour. Must be at least 16 years of age. Training provided.Click the link below to Apply!Lifeguard - Rockford Park District

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Comfort Keepers Raises Hourly Wages to $15.00

Comfort Keepers®, a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for seniors and other adults needing care, has taken great strides to express their appreciation for their caregivers for all the help and joy they deliver to seniors during the pandemic and beyond. With COVID-19 creating unprecedented circumstances for seniors who found themselves isolated or unable to safely reside with loved ones, these caregivers found ways to safely support, inspire and uplift their clients in the comfort of their own homes. To express their gratitude for the essential work caregivers perform every day, the company has taken steps to enhance pay, benefits and training in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and nationwide. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Comfort Keepers caregivers found ways to stay safe while helping to maintain the health and well-being of some of the country’s most vulnerable. In support of their hard work and dedication, the company is now offering wage increases along with their 401(K)-retirement plan matching, expanded benefits and employee recognition programs. By making these enhancements, Comfort Keepers is able to increase their caregivers’ overall standard of living to better attract, train and retain the best professional staff in the business. “Our caregivers have shown incredible dedication, flexibility and devotion for their job and the seniors they care for,” said Mark Podemski, Owner of Comfort Keepers. “By enhancing pay, benefits, and training for our caregivers, we can increase their quality of life and in turn, help ensure our overall mission of delivering joy and meaning to seniors every day. Our caregivers are heroic in their own right and we want to say thank you for all the valuable work they provide to our community.” In Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, Comfort Keepers is looking to expand its caregiver family and hire compassionate, responsible caregivers who are wanting to provide seniors a sense of joy and a greater quality of life. A typical caregiver job description may include meal preparation, companionship, transportation, running errands, helping with personal care and more. The job is very rewarding on its own – but also offers starting wages of $15.00 per hour, benefits, job training and flexible schedules. Visit ComfortKeepers.com for more information. About Comfort Keepers®Comfort Keepers® is a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for seniors and other adults needing care. Since its founding in 1998, the network has grown to more than 600 franchised locations around the world by staying true to the founders' goal of providing quality, caring in-home care services that allow clients the opportunity to age in place. In August of 2009, the brand was strengthened when the franchisor, CK Franchising, Inc. was purchased by Sodexo, a global leader that delivers Quality of Life services to over 75 million consumers in 80 countries each day. In addition to providing services that focus on health care and senior markets, Sodexo’s integrated offerings encompass more than 45 years of experience in reception, safety, maintenance and cleaning, foodservices, facilities and equipment management, and concierge services. For more information, visit ComfortKeepers.com.

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$70,000 in Art Grant Funding Available!

The Rockford Area Arts Council is facilitating a grant of up to $10,000 per organization to help bring art to the 815! Any one is eligible to apply in order to get access to the funds available through the grant program.You can apply by following the link below!Community Response – ART Grant | The Rockford Area Arts Council (artsforeveryone.com)The 815 Community Response Team (815CRT) was convened by the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) in March 2020 to help ensure nonprofits in northern Illinois (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties) and the people they serve are supported during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 815CRT is made up of public and private funders and other partners, working with the nonprofit sector to identify needs and to make funds available for both immediate emergency needs as well as needs that will emerge in the near and not-sonear future. www.815CRT.org Current Coalition partners include: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Kjellstrom Family Foundation, Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Transform Rockford, United Way of Rock River Valley. Purpose of 815CRT-ART The purpose of the 815CRT-ART COVID-Response Fund is to provide immediate operational relief to arts and culture organizations to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a competitive grant application process and resources are limited. The 815CRT-ART has over $70,000 available for awards, with a goal to provide substantive funding to each recipient; the maximum award per organization is $10,000.

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5Bar April Signature Drink

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Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining

With the warmer weather here everyone is excited to be on a rooftop, patio, or dock with their favorite beverage in hand and plate in front of them. So in the spirit of spring we want to know what YOUR favorite spot is in the 815 to dine outside!Vote below and don't forget to log-in or sign up to be entered in to win a gift card drawing at the end of the votes!

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Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 15 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

The Olympic Tavern is Celebrating 75 Years!

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The Olympic Tavern is Celebrating 75 Years!

It's National Bao Day!

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It's National Bao Day!

Weekend Roundup August 20-22

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Weekend Roundup August 20-22

A Brief History of The Rockford Sock Monkey

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A Brief History of The Rockford Sock Monkey

Loaded Brisket Mac n' Cheese.

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Loaded Brisket Mac n' Cheese.

815 DAY IS HERE!

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815 DAY IS HERE!

Local Photographer Hosts Pool Party Photo Sessions

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Local Photographer Hosts Pool Party Photo Sessions

Weekend Roundup August 6-8

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Weekend Roundup August 6-8

Kegel's has won the 2021 NBDA Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award!

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Kegel's has won the 2021 NBDA Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award!

The History of Rockford's Magic Waters!

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The History of Rockford's Magic Waters!

Weekend Roundup July 30 - August 1

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Weekend Roundup July 30 - August 1

Cool Off This Summer With Rockford Splash Pads

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Cool Off This Summer With Rockford Splash Pads

The Best Rockford Restaurants with Vegan/Vegetarian Options!

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The Best Rockford Restaurants with Vegan/Vegetarian Options!

Weekend Roundup July 23-25

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Weekend Roundup July 23-25

Vote for the 815's Best Ice Cream!

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Vote for the 815's Best Ice Cream!

Vote For Your Favorite Outdoor Adventure Spot!

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Vote For Your Favorite Outdoor Adventure Spot!

Vote for the Best Nerd Shop in Rockford!

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Vote for the Best Nerd Shop in Rockford!

ArtScene is Back!

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ArtScene is Back!

Haunted Rockford Presents: Warner “Varney” Samuel Anderson

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Haunted Rockford Presents: Warner “Varney” Samuel Anderson

HIRING ALERT : Rockford Park District

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HIRING ALERT : Rockford Park District

Comfort Keepers Raises Hourly Wages to $15.00

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Comfort Keepers Raises Hourly Wages to $15.00

$70,000 in Art Grant Funding Available!

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$70,000 in Art Grant Funding Available!

5Bar April Signature Drink

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5Bar April Signature Drink

Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining

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Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining

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