Articles & Stories | Rockford IL

Sippin' With Suffragists

Tuesday, August 235:00 - 7:00pmUniversity Club of Rockford945 N. Main St. If you have not yet visited the Rockford Women’s Suffrage Plaza, please treat yourself to a visit sometime soon. The Plaza is located on the east bank of the Rock River, at 200 Y Blvd. in Rockford, next door to the YMCA’s Log Lodge. You will see the beautiful three-sided tower dedicated to women’s suffrage and civil rights, seated on a base of “foundational women” who helped shape our culture in many areas and disciplines. The tower is surrounded by six beautiful mosaic benches that celebrate Rockford locations. This is a magnificent monument, the first in northern Illinois, that honors women’s creativity and leadership in such a bold and outstanding way. Now that the Plaza is complete, we are very close to fully funding an endowment that will permanently oversee maintenance of this historic site. To help with that final fundraising push, we invite you to attend a delightful event, “Sippin’ With Suffragists.” Please spread the word and bring your friends. You might even meet Jane Addams herself that night! Proceeds will go towards the endowment for preservation of the Rockford Women’s Suffrage Plaza and educational materials .To learn more about the plaza go to Rockford Suffrage Plaza | Rockford Suffrage Plaza

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Weekend Roundup: August 19 - August 21

Happy weekend, Rockford! We are still in fair season, and fall and spooky season are on the horizon. Stop out to the Winnebago County Fair happening all weekend long, and check out all the amazing events in the 815.FridayThe Pickin Chicks are in the middle of their massive 3 day sale. A huge home filled with amazing finds, just waiting for you to explore. David Blanco, owner of Blanco Cigars will be at the Strike the Box Pipes & Cigars lounge from 5pm to 9pm. There will be cigar specials, pizza from Frankie's Pizza, Whiskey samples from Barnstormer Distillery, and more!SaturdayHaunted Rockford Paranormal Events and Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens are proud to present the 2022 Illinois Paranormal Conference. Join speakers and vendors from all aspects of Paranormal Research. Advanced registration is required: www.hauntedrockford.com.Join the Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation on their 9th Annual Ride to Fight Suicide. The cost is $20 per ride (Bike/Jeep/Car/Etc.), and it goes directly to The Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation to fight suicide in OUR community.Registration: 10 AM to 11 AMat Kegel Harley-DavidsonSummer's last hurrah!! Celebrate the end of another beautiful summer in true Tawdry Toast style! Come enjoy local art, live music, retro videos games, vintage collectables and frozen treats!!!SundayThe Poplar Grove Airport and Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum annual fly-in is back! Enjoy food trucks, explore the museum, take a ride in a plane, and fall in love with aviation!The Live at Levings Talent Show Finale is this Sunday! Enjoy snacks from TNT Funnel Cakes and enjoy the show.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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Dinner at Fiesta Tequila Bar and Grill

This one was a new taste for us! We visited Fiesta Tequila Grill and Bar on Riverside for a delicious dinner and an amazing experience.When you walk in, the atmosphere welcomes you with bright colors in a rustic setting. Seats are available at the bar, or in the dining room. You are greeted with warm tortilla chips and incredibly flavorful salsa. It isn’t spicy, but packs a flavor punch that will have you asking for a refill! I also want to give kudos to the staff. They were incredibly helpful and attentive and made the experience even better.They offer a HUGE menu, truly something for everyone. Once we narrowed it down, we selected a couple dishes: Grande Special - 1 enchilada, 1 burrito, 1 bean tostada, 1 chili relleno, and 1 taco served with rice and beans. These were served with ground beef, but upgrades are available to your meat of choice.Chile Poblano Cancun - 1 traditional Mexican poblano, peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter and deep fried topped with ranchera sauce, chorizo, choice of sliced grilled ribeye steak or chicken served with rice, beans and choice of corn or flour tortillas.I must say, I cannot recommend the Chile Poblano Cancun enough! The chorizo was a unique flavor, almost a hint of sweetness. The steak was seasoned so deliciously that it has left me craving a return visit. Cut up all the pieces and put it together in a tortilla? Absolutely wonderful. You will not regret ordering this meal!The Grande Special is perfect for anyone who can’t decide what to order. A little bit of everything is plated and presented to you. I can’t compliment the seasoning and flavor of the meat enough. Sometimes ground beef can be a little boring, but not at Fiesta Tequila! The flavor was stunning, and the veggies were crisp and fresh. The tostada came out crisp, and the sauce on the enchilada almost made me lick the plate!We look forward to our next trip! See you there, Rockford!

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Weekend Roundup: August 12 - August 14

It’s Rockford Day weekend! The official Rockford Day isn’t until Monday, but lots of local businesses are kicking the celebration off early. Grab your family and spread your Rockford pride!FridayIn case you missed it, the Boone County Fair has been in full swing all week! This weekend is your last chance to enjoy the fair. We tested the rides, and sampled the funnel cakes for you already. Rock River Valley Blood Center is calling all Rockford donors to celebrate our community by giving blood! Stop out at the Downtown or Perryville Donor Centers to donate blood between Friday, August 12 - Monday, August 15th and you'll be entered to win one of FIVE dinner-for-two vouchers valued at $50 from Baker Street Burgers or Salamone's North! Three RRVBC gift baskets will be given away as well! Call (815) 965-8751 or visit rrvbc.org to schedule your appointment.SaturdayJoin Lallygag Boutique as they celebrate our city! They are celebrating Rockford Day on Saturday with special sales and giveaways in store!Rockford Day is also happening on Saturday at Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques. Stop in all day for great deals! They will also have a full display presented by Rockford Made it with vintage and more items made within Rockford. There will also be a large display of Rockford made items for sale. Then from 2-3pm Gary will be here for an informal chat about all things Rockford! Bring your items, and your questions and he’ll be there to help and answer any questions or just reminisce! Miracle Mile Rockford is celebrating local manufacturing for Rockford Day this year by hosting another outdoor movie. They will be showing the action-packed film First Man, an Apollo 11 story of the first man on the moon mission. As the Rockford area has a rich history making contributions to many space missions, they thought this would be a great way to celebrate our awesome city and highlight some local manufacturing companies at the same time! SundayJoin the dinosaurs at The Pottery Lounge for an afternoon of painting, treats, discounts, and fun. They are partnering with Hero Party Patrol, who will bring "Mama" Val, an 8' tall, 13' long Utahraptor dinosaur, along with one of her babies, for painters to meet and interact with. Don't worry - they're specially trained not to bite!Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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A Well Kept Secret at Backyard Grill & Bar

Have you stopped into Backyard Grill & Bar for dinner yet? Just off North 2nd Street in Loves Park, Backyard has a huge menu to satisfy any appetite and a big secret…We can’t lead right in with the secret, where would the fun be in that? But, we will start with a fact you may not know! The grills at Backyard Grill & Bar are all wood burning. There is a char and a flavor that only a wood burning flame can produce. Expect the amazing hickory flavors with every meal.Let’s start with the Henhouse. We ordered the Smothered Chicken: two 6oz chicken breasts are grilled and topped with mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese. I always find chicken to be the true test. It is so easy to serve dry. Grilled to perfection, the chicken breasts were juicy and flavorful. You get the select two sides, which makes this a very filling meal. Looking to get your veggies in but don’t want to be bored with the flavor? Come on down to Backyard. The veggies are steamed in garlic butter. You heard that right. Garlic. Butter. Now for the moment you have been waiting for. A well kept secret is that you can get amazing salmon at the Backyard Grill & Bar! A generous North-Atlantic filet is available grilled with classic Backyard seasoning or blackened. We highly recommend the blackened! The flavor was wonderful and the texture was spot on. If you enjoy salmon, you have to swing by Backyard Grill & Bar to try their king sized filet. Your choice of two sides makes this a feast you’ll crave.Special shout out to their kids menu. Lots of options, you can sub veggies for the fries, and each kid gets to head to the freezer and pick a novelty ice cream to end their meal with. To a kid, this little extra effort makes them feel special.Backyard Grill & Bar is perfect for your next family outing!

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Womanspace Online Auction

For almost 50 years, Womanspace has provided programming in the creative arts, holistic health, self-development and social activism for women of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. To raise the funds necessary to continue our work supporting and empowering women and serving our community, we are holding this online auction. Please consider bidding, and know that you are helping to promote women’s empowerment!https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/Womanspace-Online-Auction-33616

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Weekend Roundup: August 5 - August 7

There are a TON of events this weekend, Rockford. We couldn’t possibly contain it all in one weekend roundup. Check out these events, and then click through to the events calendar to see all the happenings this weekend!FridayFesta Italian is kicking off the weekend! Running Friday through Sunday, stop by the festival grounds at Boylan High School to join the annual celebration of the Italian community in Rockford. With music, food, and rides to enjoy, you could stay all weekend!SaturdayThe Dog Days of Summer Art Fair to benefit Kibble Korner Pet Food Pantry is this Saturday. Shop art from local artists (including an artistic dog!) and donate dog and cat food at this amazing event to benefit pets in our community.The Natural Living Expo is held annually by Rockford Crunchy Ladies to raise funds for their Scholarships and learning opportunities. This expo will showcase local businesses with natural, holistic, and sustainable living. Sharing the services, products, and activities that Rockford and the surrounding area have to offer our community.The Culture Shock Parking Lot Show is back! All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Rock & Roll Institute, who kicks off the show at 4:00pm. Come for the party, stay for the food trucks.SundayThe first Love Your Mental event is this Sunday. There are more options available than just the traditional therapy with a counselor, let's showcase them! A $2 entry fee at the door will be donated to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for the Northern Illinois Region.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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Dinner at Benny's

Franchesco’s is a popular destination for your special events and celebrations. We headed out for a celebratory dinner of our own!We started with an appetizer that is a Franchesco’s specialty, the Lamb Lollipops. Don’t let the name fool you, this savory dish is amazing opener to any meal. If you like lamb, we highly recommend this delicious dish. There are 5 mini rib chops, perfect for sharing. Tender and perfectly seasoned, lamb lovers will rejoice after enjoying this appetizer.I feel like I can’t move on from the appetizers without mentioning Franchesco’s bread. If you know, you know. If you don’t… go find out.When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When at Benny’s, you order the Steak Benny! Steak Benny is a sliced New York Strip with a dejonge crust and white wine cream sauce. Served with a vegetable and truffle potatoes. If you love butter with your steak, the Steak Benny is for you. The dejonge crust still had the crisp crunch, and the butter created a juicy, melt in your mouth steak. The truffle potatoes wreaked perfectly and seasoned perfectly. Leave the ketchup for the kiddos, you won’t need to change a thing about these potatoes. Give this namesake a try during your next dinner at Benny’s.No celebration is complete without dessert, so we ended our meal with their Almond Cake. A cousin to tiramisu, lady fingers and mascarpone cheese come together with a new twist bringing an almond and caramel dream to life. Big enough to share, this is a light and refreshing dessert sure to please the whole table.Celebrate your next milestone, or a good old fashioned Tuesday, at Franchesco’s!

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Where Do You Get Your Grillin' Meat?

Grilling Season is just heating up! It may be August, but us tough Midwesterners have been known to grill well into winter. So turn on the propane, or pour the coals, and tell us where you get your grilling goods.

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Free World Explorers Summer Arts Camp

Thanks to generous funding provided by Rockford Public School District’s “Live, Learn, Play” program, RAM is able to partner with Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company to present two, week-long camps for rising third graders in the RPS district. The ‘World Explorers Summer Arts Camp’ was created to connect students to rich and diverse musical and artistic communities. In these week-long summer camps, students will build fundamental artistic skills through creative art projects and listening, singing, and moving to songs from all over the world. Using cultural topics from Argentina, Native America, South Africa/Zulu, Columbia, and Armenia, students will gain confidence with new art forms and celebrate and create connections with these various cultures.REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!FREE, FUNDED BY RPS’ “LIVE, LEARN, PLAY” PROGRAMREGISTRATION REQUIRED, SPACE IS LIMITEDhttps://rockfordartmuseum.org/event/world-explorers-summer-arts-camp-2/

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Weekend Roundup: July 29 - July 31

We are staring down back to school season, and fall festivities are on the horizon, but summer isn’t over yet! Enjoy being outside this weekend, Rockford.FridayExplore Artourage, inside the creative space of Fatherless, an award-winning local print collective. Exclusive prints will be available for donation with contributions going directly to the Art’s Council’s local artist grants and art programs. Food trucks and a cash bar available!Lino’s is kicking off the first of its new music and movies series call Four Fridays. Admission is free, and the fun kicks off at 5:30pm. This week is Rockford Peaches Night with music by Miles Nielsen and Kelly Steward.SaturdayNever been kayaking before or maybe rented a kayak but wanted to learn more? Rocktown Adventures Introduction to Kayaking is the perfect opportunity to gain some knowledge and practicable skill for your next adventure. After this class you will be more efficient, confident, and knowledgeable with your paddling.Pig Minds Brewing Co. is hosting comedy night! The show starts at 7:30pm, but arrive early for a good seat. Admission is free!SundayCome - rain or shine - for special Sunday brunch food prepared by the staff at Prairie Street Brewing Co. topped off with a Bloody Mary bar. Adding to the whole experience will be music by Espinosa and Coffey. We'll have a ticket drop auction for great baskets. All proceeds support Family Counseling Services' mission to provide affordable, professional counseling services to children and adults.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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National Chicken Wing Day at Baked Wings

A little birdy told us it is #NationalChickenWingDay! We obviously jumped on the opportunity to celebrate. I mean, do you really need an excuse to eat chicken wings? We didn’t think so…We headed over to The Pomodoro to enjoy their sister restaurant, Baked Wings. However, in a few short months, you will find Baked Wings at their new location on Riverside. Look for it in September!If you aren’t familiar with Baked Wings, they do things a little differently. They bake their wings naked and then spice it up with a variety of signature dust rubs. Add a side to make it a basket (you can add the rub dusts to these bad boys too) and you have a hearty meal perfect for your next game day… or any day. Step one, select drummies, paddles, combo, or tenders. We are team drummies over here! Step two, select your rub dust. We went a little crazy and picked 4 flavors: buffalo hot, garlic parmesan, chili lime, and honey barbecue. Step three, to basket or not to basket? Basket. We chose garlic parmesan cheese curds and breaded mushrooms, but they have a whole host of options for you to drool over. The best part of the rubs… less mess! No embarrassing t-shirt stains outing your lunchtime choices. The flavor doesn’t suffer though. I dove right into the buffalo hot and was pleasantly surprised by the heat. I love heat and sometimes I’m let down by other buffalo varieties. These bad boys definitely brought the heat! Next up was garlic parmesan, for the fancy wing connoisseur. The delicate balance of flavors makes these crave-able and a not to miss flavor. Chili Lime was not what I expected! A slight warmth with a sweet finish might have just pushed this flavor into my regular rotation. Honey BBQ was last, but certainly not least. They come out looking like a buffalo, but don’t be fooled! This bbq packs a punch and wasn’t overly sweet. Definitely a go-to flavor.Prefer a saucier experience? Never fear. Baked Wings offers plenty of dip choices, from the classic ranch and blue cheese to fancy flavors like bang bang sauce, which, for the record, you need to taste for yourself. It took those fried mushrooms to the next level.With sports on the TVs all day long, you can’t go wrong with Baked Wings at The Pomodoro!

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Plant Based with Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Pig Minds Brewing Co. is well known for its craft beer and fully vegan menu. We stopped by on a beautiful summer evening for dinner and drinks!One of us loves craft beer and one of us loves margaritas, and we were both very happy at Pig Minds Brewing Co. If you are a craft fan, spend some time sampling their home brews. There is something for every palette and they offer seasonal varieties as well. The full bar will keep you satisfied if beer isn’t your jam. So belly up and order your favorite drink.We have heard nonstop chatter about the vegan Macs and vegan pizzas, so we knew there was no option but to sample both. We like things spicy around here so we excitedly ordered the Buffalo Mac & Cheesy Bowl. This house-made Mac and cheeze comes with buffalo soy curls, carrot shreds, scallions, celery, buffalo sauce, and a house ranch drizzle. This was delicious and incredibly satisfying! The textures were spot on and the flavors were delicious. I would have never known the difference if we had not been at an exclusively vegan restaurant. If you love buffalo sauce, this needs to be in your rotation. Want a little more control? Wednesdays you can build your own Mac. Go crazy, you wild thing.Next up, pizza! We went with the “I’m Old School” sausage and mushroom pizza. The sausage was vegan, full of flavor, and generously spread. The vegetables on top were fresh, which makes them incredibly delicious! Stone fired, the crust has that crave-able crisp crust that is soft and fluffy inside. Gluten-free crust is also available! If you are not familiar with vegan fare and are worried about the taste, don’t be. This pizza is definitely worth a try. They have 9 pre-mades and an option to build your favorite pie.See you on the patio during our next visit!

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Mud Volleyball with KNIB

Fancy yourself a volleyball player? Down for a little friendly competition? Don't mind getting a little dirty? Do we have an event for you!The Infamous KNIB Mud Volleyball Tournament will be Saturday, August 6th at Riverside Park (100 River Street, Roscoe, IL 61073) starting at 8am.Grab your friends, your family, and your competitive edge and be ready to hit the court for this fundraiser that benefits our local community.Register your team here: https://www.mudvolleyballknib.org/home

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Weekend Roundup: July 22 - July 24

Baby goats, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo… Now that we have that song stuck in your head, get ready to eat, hike, and watch the stage this weekend, Rockford!FridayIt’s time for a summer favorite, Brat Days! Drive-thru, walk-up, or dine-in for a nostalgic summertime lunch. Entertainment is scheduled for lunch and dinner service so bring the whole office and family!It's 1979, and New York's hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addition. Find out what happens when Disaster! strikes on the Starlight Theatre stage at Rock Valley College. SaturdaySaturday is all about food trucks! Barnstormer Distillery kicks off the fun with Hector’s Cocina Food Truck at the tasting room from noon to 4:00 pm. Next up is the Chow Down Food Truck Festival. The festival kicks off at 2:00 pm and goes until 8:00 pm, so pace yourself and sample as many trucks as you can! Come hungry, leave happy.SundayHead up to Gretta’s Goats and enjoy a peaceful 1 mile hike around the farm and through the woods with their miniature goats! This 45-60 minute hike ends at the farm store stocked with seasonal cheeses, raw honey, goat milk soap, hand salve, and more.The Battle at Levings wraps up the weekend at 5:00 pm. Listen to great music by local artists, and watch local dancers defy gravity. This will be a tough one to judge, and an amazing viewing experience.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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All the Classics at Mexico Clasico

Nothing like chips and salsa to bring people together, am I right? Add some delicious margaritas, some Mexican cuisine classics, and you’ve got yourself a pretty solid evening. Check out our experience at Mexico Clasico!One does not simply visit Mexico Clasico and forget to order the guacamole. The Guacamole Abuela is not just guacamole. It’s a culinary experience! They wheel the guacamole cart right to your table, and let you select the ingredients for your large molcajete of guacamole. Topped generously with fresh cheese, the flavor will have you coming back again and again just for the guacamole!If you somehow survived the salsa and guacamole with room in your stomach… be sure to explore their huge menu! Full of classic dishes, family recipes, and unique dishes, there is something for everyone.If you are like us and can’t decided what to try, just order enough food for a small baseball team and dig in!We sampled the Enchilada Suiza, Fajita Suiza, and the classic Chimichanga.Chimichangas are deep fried burritos, filled with a shredded meat of your choice, and covered in cheese dip. Served with rice and beans, this is a hearty meal! The shredded chicken had so much flavor! It was juicy and favorable and I honestly wanted to go back the next night to order it again. No dull, dry shredded chicken here.The Enchiladas Seizes are 3 corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and covered in a creamy red sauce, more of that cheese dip, and topped with red peppers. This was served with black beans and rice. The red sauce and cheese dip combo was so velvety and delicious! The corn tortillas had that earthy flavor, making this dish a power packed hit to your taste buds. That shredded chicken again means this dish is sure to be a favorite!If you can believe that we still had room to eat more (we aren’t quitters!), we dug into the Fajitas Suiza next. This dish hosted a trio of meats: grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp. Everything was grilled with green peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and then smothered in cheese dip, glorious cheese dip. If building your own dinner is your thing, fajitas let you do just that. Add your rice, beans, and grilled goodness to your tortillas and munch away!Make sure to put Mexico Clasico on your regular dining rotation! Work your way through their large menu, and don’t forget to order the guacamole!

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PERSONALIZED ECLIPSE LAGOON BRICKS

The Eclipse Lagoon has been a landmark in the community since the 1920s. Over the years, the lagoon has remained a popular spot for residents and visitors to gather. In the summer, many stroll along the lagoon on the way to the Rock River Recreation Path or Sinnissippi Park rose garden. In the winter, the lagoon often serves as an outdoor skating rink. The charming brick patio on the north side of the Eclipse Lagoon is a wonderful way to memorialize a loved one, celebrate an anniversary, honor your family name, or share a special memory. Those investing in a lagoon brick will help further the mission of the Rockford Park District Foundation to support the Rockford Park District’s programs and services for the communities of the Rockford area.Each 7"x 9" brick can have five lines of engraving with a 12-character limit per line, and are available for a $250 donation. Bricks are placed in the spring and fall; a limited quantity of bricks will be sold.To order and purchase bricks, visit www.rpdfoundation.org/eclipse-lagoon-bricks/, or the Rockford Park District Foundation office in the Webbs Norman Center, 401 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL. For additional information or questions, contact the Rockford Park District Foundation Donor Relations Coordinator at 815-987-1632, or email lisagrigoletti@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

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Weekend Roundup: July 15 - July 17

Hey Rockford, the weekend is here! Light shows during summer, drum corps creating music you can feel, live music, and shopping adventures all await you! Heads up! National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday, so prepare accordingly 😜.FridayFriday night is all about Music on the Mall at Edgebrook Shopping Center. Dirty Fishnet Stockings kicks off the party at 6:30pm. Food and drinks from Lucha Cantina and Cork, Keg & Spirits will be available. Seating is limited so bringing your own chair is encouraged.If Drum Corps is more of your musical style, Friday is The Show of Shows at Boylan High School. The Show of Shows features performances from some of the best drum corps in the area. SaturdayCome celebrate the hot days of summer with a hot day of sales in downtown Rockton on Saturday, July 16. Put on your walking shoes as you meander along Main St., Hawick St., Prairie St. and Blackhawk Blvd. for ALL the deals!The Hanson Barn in Marengo is doing a Disney themed summer show! They are planning on having 4 shows per night each approximately 15 minutes each, first show starting promptly at 9PM. Grab the family and do a mini road trip for a unique experience.SundayPlanning to hit the water? Join SUP yoga or the Kane County Paddling Trip with Rocktown Adventures. They have planned an ecological exploration of the Fox River. Got family dinner on your mind at the end of the weekend? Check out Lino’s Pasqua Mercato, a seasonal, open-air Italian Market dedicated to the idea of family. The market is a weekly home for families to celebrate, as most do, around the food they eat while supporting their larger family: the community, local farmers, vendors and organizations.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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Pizza and Pasta at John's Restaurant

The winner of our pizza poll chose John’s Restaurant Pizzeria & Steakhouse as the best pizza in the 815, and we had to check it out for ourselves! We journeyed down to 11th street to try a pie we’ve never tried before.We ordered a medium pizza, the perfect size for a small family to share for dinner. Go bigger if leftover pizza is your jam. We won’t judge you if you like it cold.The pizza came out piping out, and the cheese pulled like taffy at a State Fair. That’s how you know that the cheese was liberally applied. The sweet sauce was perfectly distributed, no dry spots on this pizza. The crust is hand tossed, giving the crust a light crust with that inner fluffiness. Choose your own toppings or pick from their list of flavors, you can’t go wrong! The Chicken Parmesan was also calling our name, and we don’t believe in saying no to pasta… so we dove in! The chicken was juicy, breaded (you can also request grilled chicken and gluten-free pasta), and slathered in sauce. The huge bowl of pasta made this an easy 2 meal experience. The pasta was the perfect al dente, not soggy or sticky. The melted mozzarella cheese on top really complimented this dish. They bring parmesan and red pepper flakes to the table for you to add in your preferred quantity. Ready to take your food home? They box it up for you! Allowing you to avoid those red sauce splatter stains!John’s was an amazing Italian experience, and we can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu!

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Kegel’s Bicycle Store has been granted the 2022 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)

Kegel’s Bicycle Store has been granted the 2022 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA). 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 has certified Kegel’s as being among the top local bicycle retailers in the United States. Fewer than 125 qualified for this honor. This is the 7th time that Kegel’s has received this honor.Key to certification is a lengthy application survey that quantifies key elements found in successful retail operations of all kinds. The retailers were also evaluated through phone & email contacts, website appeal & accuracy, and marketing expertise. The process of going through the application and the outside perspective of the NBDA staff have created a program in which every shop can recognize their strengths and weaknesses and become the very best retailer they can be.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.

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Weekend Roundup: July 8 - July 10

A little bit of Christmas in July, the start of fair/festival season, ladies night at the BMX track, and more awaits you this weekend. The real question is… how do you possibly choose what to do?! The answer… everything! Grab your coffee, Rockford… you’re gonna need it.Byron Fest kicks off the festival season this weekend. Get outside, eat all the fried food, see some great music, and get a nostalgic rush on the tilt-a-whirl.All weekend long, you can place your Christmas in July order for Sugar Britches Super Stroops! A dessert, a breakfast pastry, a mid-day snack. They’ve supersized them. To the size of your face.Order Online Here: https://www.sugarbritches.co/shopcandyFridayAt the Discovery Center Museum, it’s Superheroes Unite! Put on your cape and tune up your spidey senses for this day of “super” fun! Ignite your superpowers for incredible feats and amazing heroics. Outwit evil, capture crooks, explore x-ray vision, dodge dangers, and more. Come in costume…your super identity is safe with us! All event activities are included with admission.The 5th annual Ladies Night hosted by Rockford BMX is back! This is a great opportunity to try BMX in an encouraging environment among other female racers! Loaner bikes and helmets will be available to those without their own equipment. SaturdayIf shopping is your thing, Saturday is your time to shine! Visit Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques for their outdoor market. Browse vendors set up with everything from vintage to handmade to new! After that, head downtown and shop til you drop at Small Business Summer, hosted by GEM and Urban Farmgirl. Some of your favorite Main Street Market vendors will be setting up in the parking lot at the Urban Farmgirl warehouse.Midway Village Museum is hosting a living history civil war event, Camp Fuller Muster. Spend a day at Rockford's Camp Fuller, an army camp established in 1862 where local recruits were mustered into military service to fight in the Civil War. You will see recruits in training, infantry, cavalry, and artillery demonstrations, Blue/Grey militias in mock skirmish, and civilian families supporting their soldiers. Costumed history interpreters will include Frederick Douglass, Ulysses Grant, and General Fuller reading the Emancipation Proclamation.SundayWassup on Sunday you ask? SUP Yoga of course! Like chocolate and peanut butter, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Yoga are a perfect match. Rocktown Adventures and Namaste Studios have partnered to offer SUP Yoga classes. Perfect for beginners and advanced participants.Got family dinner on your mind at the end of the weekend? Check out Lino’s Pasqua Mercato, a seasonal, open-air Italian Market dedicated to the idea of family. The market is a weekly home for families to celebrate, as most do, around the food they eat while supporting their larger family: the community, local farmers, vendors and organizations.Find all the details for these events and more: https://rockfordbuzz.com/events

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Fun at Fozzy's

Patios are kind of our jam during the summer, so we decided to try out the patio at Fozzy's! Sunshine just makes lunch on a work day that much better.We had to start with Fozzy's Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls, buffalo chicken dip wrapped and fried as an eggroll and served with sriracha ranch for dipping. These were labeled as a popular item, and we know why. These were fantastic! If you like a little heat, and the creamy texture of dips... this is basically your dream deep-fried. It's going to be a must order item every time we visit Fozzy's!Next up, we did the thing you are never supposed to do for a food review. We ordered off the special menu! We could resist, these wraps sounded amazing. We ordered the southwest themed chicken wrap and a sweet chili teriyaki inspired chicken wrap. I genuinely hope these items make it to the regular menu because they were everything we wanted them to be! The southwest has the perfect ranch to veggie/toppings ratio. There is nothing worse than a soggy wrap, and Fozzy's has mastered the ratio. The teriyaki wrap was a refreshing new flavor! You don't see this type of flavor in a wrap often, and it was absolutely delicious. So Fozzy's, please, make these items permanent!You can't enjoy a summer meal on a patio without dessert, so we tried the famous Fozzy's fried ice cream. This is absolutely delicious and very shareable! A huge scoop of fried ice cream is served with generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel, and lots of whipped cream. Have fun finishing this with the whole family.Check out Fozzy's for your next meal out! And ask about their VIP rewards program.

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Should We Bring Back the App?

We recently updated the website and said goodbye to the app; however, word on the streets is that you might want the app back!Tell us... to app, or not to app? Vote, and share your opinion for a chance to win a t-shirt of your choice from the merch shop!

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Local Ice Cream!

The sun is out, the temperatures are up, and our ice cream cravings are at an all-time high! The 815 has some amazing local ice cream shops to satisfy your cravings. Check out this list and plan your own ice cream crawl with friends and family.A La Scoop Paleteria Tocumbo Michoacanita121 N State St ste a, Belvidere, IL 61008Benny's Dariette1402 Montague St, Rockford, IL 61102Dairy Depot5413 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL 61111Dairyhaus113 E Main St, Rockton, IL 61072Dari Fair2813 Kilburn Ave, Rockford, IL 61101Dari Ripple105 S State St, Belvidere, IL 61008 Cattle & Cream105 Cherry St, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Gelato Joe's5615 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108La Michoacana3840 Broadway ste e, Rockford, IL 61108La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream609 Kishwaukee St, Rockford, IL 61104La Michoacana Mexican Creamery1714 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111La Michoacana Tropical Oasis530 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit, IL 61080 Lesslys Ice Cream Shop1710 Rural St, Rockford, IL 61107 M&M Dari Ripple470 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit, IL 61080 Sam's Drive-In705 West Blackhawk Drive, Byron, IL 61010 Sips and Sprinkles221 W Locust St, Belvidere, IL 61008Sugarjones6336 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, IL 61111 The Mix151 Hawick St, Rockton, IL 61072 The Scoop101 S Benton St, Winnebago, IL 61088Zammuto's725 Kent St, Rockford, IL 61102

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Recents

Positive News, Stories, & Rockford Buzz Polls

Page 9 | Positive Stories & Articles | Rockford IL

Sippin' With Suffragists

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Sippin' With Suffragists

Weekend Roundup: August 19 - August 21

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Weekend Roundup: August 19 - August 21

Dinner at Fiesta Tequila Bar and Grill

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Dinner at Fiesta Tequila Bar and Grill

Weekend Roundup: August 12 - August 14

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Weekend Roundup: August 12 - August 14

A Well Kept Secret at Backyard Grill & Bar

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A Well Kept Secret at Backyard Grill & Bar

Womanspace Online Auction

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Womanspace Online Auction

Weekend Roundup: August 5 - August 7

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Weekend Roundup: August 5 - August 7

Dinner at Benny's

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Dinner at Benny's

Where Do You Get Your Grillin' Meat?

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Where Do You Get Your Grillin' Meat?

Free World Explorers Summer Arts Camp

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Free World Explorers Summer Arts Camp

Weekend Roundup: July 29 - July 31

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Weekend Roundup: July 29 - July 31

National Chicken Wing Day at Baked Wings

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National Chicken Wing Day at Baked Wings

Plant Based with Pig Minds Brewing Co.

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Plant Based with Pig Minds Brewing Co.

Mud Volleyball with KNIB

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Mud Volleyball with KNIB

Weekend Roundup: July 22 - July 24

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Weekend Roundup: July 22 - July 24

All the Classics at Mexico Clasico

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All the Classics at Mexico Clasico

PERSONALIZED ECLIPSE LAGOON BRICKS

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PERSONALIZED ECLIPSE LAGOON BRICKS

Weekend Roundup: July 15 - July 17

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Weekend Roundup: July 15 - July 17

Pizza and Pasta at John's Restaurant

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Pizza and Pasta at John's Restaurant

Kegel’s Bicycle Store has been granted the 2022 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)

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Kegel’s Bicycle Store has been granted the 2022 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA)

Weekend Roundup: July 8 - July 10

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Weekend Roundup: July 8 - July 10

Fun at Fozzy's

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Fun at Fozzy's

Should We Bring Back the App?

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Should We Bring Back the App?

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Local Ice Cream!

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Local Ice Cream!

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