JULY 2009
May 30-July 30
"JOURNEY STORIES" TRAVELING SMITHSONIAN EXHIBIT
Sycamore History Museum, 308 West State Street, Sycamore
Come to the Sycamore History Museum and see the traveling Smithsonian Exhibit "Journey Stories" from May 30 through July 30, 2009.
815-895-5722
www.sycamorehistory.org

July - August 31
SKI BRONCS WATER SKI SHOW
Martin Park, Forest Grove Street, Loves Park
Rockford's world-class Ski-Broncs perform every Wednesday and Friday night throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
815-871-5726
www.skibroncs.com

July 1-5
DIXON PETUNIA FESTIVAL
Dixon locations
This annual festival will feature quality entertainment, sports, arts, food, fireworks and a parade, all in a family oriented atmosphere. Check our website for a full schedule of events.
815-284-3361
www.petuniafestival.org

July 1-5
GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR
www.grundyfair.org

July 1-5
STREATOR'S FOURTH - AMERICA'S BEST!
Streator
Annual fourth of July includes carnival, lip sync contests, food vendors, parade, and fireworks.
www.streator4thofjuly.com

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
CRUISIN' CARY CLASSIC CAR NIGHTS
Downtown Cary
All cars welcome every Wednesday night with themed cars only being judged. Entertainment included.
www.carygrovechamber.com

July 2-5
KIRKLAND LIONS CLUB ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Downtown Kirkland
Annual event with great bands, car show, performances, beer tent, fireworks, and much more.   For more information visit our website.
www.kirkland4thofjuly.com

July 2-12
TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS - THE WEDDING SINGER
Timber Lake Playhouse Theatre, Mt. Carroll
Enjoy a quality live theater. Hang on tight for their summer season, packed with laughs, tears, surprise, and excitement.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES
Sinnissippi Park Band Shell, 1401 North Second Street, Rockford
Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Long a Rockford tradition . . . beautiful summer evenings in the historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. Surrounded by majestic trees, local and regional talents work their own musical magic. All performances are free.
815-987-8800
www.rockfordparkdistrict.org

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
CLASSIC CAR SHOWS
Kane County Courthouse, Fourth and Campbell Street, Geneva
Thursday evenings in July and August, car buffs bring their cars or just come to admire the chrome and fancy paint jobs of antique and specialty cars at the Classic Car Show.  Held from 6-8:00pm in the huge parking lot of the historic Kane County Courthouse on South Third Street. Participants will enjoy cruisin' music, tempting treats and hundreds of cars on display.
630-232-6060
www.genevachamber.com

July 3
INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECTACULAR
Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College
Join the RSO for an evening of patriotic songs, marches, and anthems. Don't miss our annual Independence Day Spectacular, concluding with a glorious fireworks display! Enjoy our causal and fun All-American BBQ on the grounds of RVC before the concert. Celebrate Independence Day with a relaxing dinner among friends, enjoying great food and lively entertainment. Dinner begins at 6pm. Reservations required.
815-921-2160
www.rockfordsymphony.com

July 3 and/or July 4
A CULINARY ESCAPE WEEKEND RETREAT
Learn Great Foods, Mt. Carroll
Most of our retreats and tours are themed, but for this one, we pull out all the stops. We'll eat and learn about chocolate, wine, cheese, herb-infused vinegars and oils, preserves, and more--all of the best things produced in Northwest Illinois. Based in Galena, IL, this retreat will visit almost all of our favorite tour stops. All of our meals will be focused on locally produced delights, and our guest chefs will teach you how to do it all at home.
815-244-5602
www.learngreatfoods.com

July 3-4
SHENANDOAH STAR SPANGLED PRO RODEO
Shenandoah Riding Center, 200 North Brodrecht Road, Galena
Pro rodeo returns to Galena in a exciting and fun championship rodeo. Top notch cowboys and cowboys from throughout the US and Canada will compete for prize money and bonus awards. There\'ll be terrific acts, kids games, concessions, novelties & fireworks after both performances. Friday will benefit rodeos "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" campaign for breast cancer research and treatment. EVERYONE should wear PINK to show their support - even the clowns.
815-777-2373
www.shenandoahridingcenter.com

July 3-5
DURAND 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL
IL Rt. 70, 1 mile north of IL Rt. 75, Durand
A three-day event featuring two street concerts performed by nationally recongnized bands, sanctioned go-kart races around the town square, famous outhouse races, parade, tractor pulls, kids' carnival, fireworks, food, fun and more.
815-248-4555
www.durandevents.com

July 4
MELD JULY 4TH CLASSIC RUN AND FUN WALK
Madison Street, Rockford
Alan Hutchcroft 8K Run, 1-Mile Run and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Free T-shirt to the first 400 entries, cash prizes for 1-3 male and female 8K, medals for all age groups - 8K and 1-Mile Run. Lots of sandwiches, food and water. Lots of toys for kids - goody bag for all kids.
815-965-8336

July 4
ROCKFORD'S 4TH OF JULY PARADE & SKYCONCERT
Downtown Rockford
Rockford's gala 4th of July celebration rocks the banks of the Rock River from noon to dark on this national holiday. The parade is preceded first by a motorcycle parade and then by the Rock River Valley Studebaker Drivers Club. The outstanding fireworks display, the largest in the state, thrills viewers to the accompaniment of synchronized music on B103 at 9:30pm.
815-965-0788

July 4
MT. CARROLL'S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
Mt. Carroll
Experience small town charm at its best as you celebrate the 4th of July!  Mt. Carroll Firemen’s Pork Chops at Fire Station on Clay St., afternoon, and at Athletic Field evening. Parade, entertainment, band concert, refreshments, and fireworks, Athletic Field at dusk.
815-244-4424

July 4
PROPHETSTOWN LIONS CLUB 4TH OF JULY
335 Washington, Prophetstown
All day event in Prophetstown.
815-537-5139
www.prophetstownil.com

July 4
WOODSTOCK 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Emricson Park, Woodstock
Display to begin at dusk.
www.woodstockil.gov

July 4
FIFTH ANNUAL FIRECRACKER
Volo Auto Museum, 27582 West Volo Village Road, Volo
Meet the King of Kustom, George Barris, creator of the original Batmobile and many others. Volo's largest car show of the summer. Food, music, prizes, games and lots of fun for all ages.
815-385-3644
www.volocars.com

July 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Atwood Park, Rochelle
Come enjoy the fireworks display, Municipal Band concert and more.
815-562-7031

July 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Downtown Antioch
Come enjoy the fireworks display after a 5K run, parade, then followed by day long activities for kids of all ages.
847-395-2233

July 5
ART AT ELLWOOD
Art Fair and Sale, 509 S. First St., DeKalb
Over 100 artists and craftspersons. Juried show, Food.
815-756-4609

July 5
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Belvidere Park, Belvidere
The Jodi Beach Trio - Contemporary Pop and Jazz. Rain site is Community Building, 111 West 1st Street. Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm in Belvidere Park by the Baltic Mill, enjoy free concerts. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket!

July 5 - November 29
HARVEST LUNCH
Learn Great Foods, Mt. Carroll
Sundays! We start the day visiting local farms.Which include: Beef, Bison, Herbs, Fruits/Vegetables and many more.Followed by a hands-on cooking class where guests will prepare a harvest meal with one of our celebrated chefs .
815-244-5602
www.learngreatfoods.com

July 6-10, 20-24
COSMIC CAMP I
Challenger Learning Center, 222 Church Street, Woodstock
Join our crew for a week-long adventure full of interactive activities! This 5-day camp will spotlight flight, rocketry, robotics and space travel. Participants build rockets and gliders, fly in the Boeing 737 cockpit simulator and run a space mission!
815-338-7722
www.challengerillinois.org

July 7-9
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS TRAVERSE CITY BEACH BUMS
4503 Interstate Blvd, Rockford
Rockford's league-leading baseball team, part of the 12 member Frontier League, has a brand new stadium just off I-90 at Riverside Blvd.  Come for baseball and good, old-fashioned summertime fun.  Games start at 7:05pm except for Sundays, which is 6:05pm.
815-964-2255
www.rockfordriverhawks.com

July 8
OSWEGO UNPLUGGED
Village Green Park, downtown Oswego
Unplug and unwind! Gather with friends and neighbors at the Village Green Park in downtown Oswego three Wednesday evenings each summer for live performances by popular regional artists. Music is free compliments of Oswego Community Bank and Oswegoland Park District.
630-554-1010
www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org

July 8
OTTAWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
Fairgrounds Road, Ottawa
World Championship Rodeo returns to Ottawa and is hosted by the charming LaSalle County 4H Fair. Big time rodeo in a lovely and family-friendly atmosphere. Spectacular livestock, great acts, thousands of dollars in prize money and awards attracts top notch cowboys and cowgirls. 4H livestock and commercial exhibits, concessions and tons of fun for all.
815-433-0371
www.bighatrodeo.com

July 8-12
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - DAVID, THE KING
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
Starlight Theatre is dedicated to providing entertainment and enrichment for the community, joining professional and non-professionals, students and community members together to create the magic of live theatre.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com

July 9
MEET PRESIDENT AND MRS. LINCOLN
Boone County Community Building, 111 West First Street, Belvidere
President and Mrs. Lincoln (Max & Donna Daniels) will be our fourth program this year in our lecture series. This year being the 200th year of Lincoln's birth, we hope interest will be high: the program will be held at the Community Building. The Lincoln re-enactors have spent endless hours studying and preforming as the Lincolns. The make roughly 200 appearancesa year within a six stater adius preforming. Please plan on attending and supporting this museum program.
815-544-8391
www.boonecountyhistoricalmuseum.org

July 10
MICROSCOPE MINIWORLD
Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State Street, Sycamore
Investigate the world unseen by the naked eye and learn the proper us of various types of microscopes. Examine your own hair, pond water, and prepared slides.
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org

July 10-11
ILLINOIS STATE B-B-Q CHAMPIONSHIPS
Shannon
60 teams from 18 states compete for state honors. Fully sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Local dessert contest open to the public. BBQ dinner Friday 5-8pm and Saturday 11am-2pm.
815-864-2679
www.ilstatebbqchampionship.com

July 10, 24
ANNUAL CRUISE NIGHTS
Downtown Riverwalk, Houston Street, Batavia
The Batavia Jaycees are proud to continue their tradition of free community cruise nights to bring car cruisers and car enthusiasts to the beautiful downtown Riverwalk. Trophies are given out at every cruise night, and often times the Jaycees will have a donation jar available to help those in need locally, or for a national cause.
630-761-2978
www.bataviajaycees.org

July 10-25
FIESTA DAYS
Petersen Park, on McCullum Lake Road west of IL Route 31, McHenry
Ten days of music, food, local & big-name entertainers, games, parade, wooden boat show, fun runs, car show, sports tournaments, motorcycle show, sculpture contest, drum corp show, and more.
815-385-4300

July 11
INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT
Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum & Airport, Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This program is held on Saturday mornings twice a year and is available to youth 10-17 years of age. The program lasts approximately 3 ½ hours and includes a tour of the Springfield Hangar to view current restoration projects, a ground school class on the “Theory of Flight”, and a hands on preflight of a general aviation aircraft. Following this each youth receives an introductory flight (weather permitting). Call the museum office to make a reservation (required).
815-547-3115
www.thevintagemuseum.com

July 11
MASTER GARDENERS' GARDENWALK 2009
McHenry County College, 8900 US Highway 14, McHenry
Presented by McHenry County College in conjunction with the University of IL. Features a self-guided walking tour through 7 area gardens.
815-455-8764
www.mchenry.edu/events

July 11
FOSSIL DIG
Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State Street, Sycamore
Come as an individual or as a family, bring your bucket, and get ready to unearth evidence of prehistoric life. Includes brief geologic history of the area. Tools provided. Bring a small bucket or bag to take home your treasures. Wear heavy shoes and long pants.  Adult helmets will be provided. Kids should bring bike or ski helmet if they have one. Gloves, safety glasses, a hat, sun screen, water & camera are suggested. Meet at Vulcan Materials quarry, 15622 Barber Greene Road, Sycamore. Registration required.
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org

July 11
TWILIGHT AT TINKER
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
Jazz pianist, Wendel Werner, from Knoxville, Tennessee, will be featured at this event. Joined by vocalist Alan Eleazer, they will perform familiar and memorable songs! From 7pm to 9pm.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com

July 11-12
BARN TOUR - WHITESIDE COUNTY
Northeast Whiteside County
View 10 historically unique barns located in northeast Whiteside county. For more information contact the Whiteside County Farm Bureau located in Morrison. Admission fee charged per vehicle.
815-772-2165

July 11-12
SUMMERFIELD FARM & ZOO EVENT
3088 Flora Road, Belvidere
Come to Summerfield Farm & Zoo for one of their open to the public events. Tour all the exotic animals including Kinkajous, Llamas, Parrots, Wallabies, Reindeer, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Cougar, Camel, Hedgehogs, Servals, Bobcats, Tortoises and other animals from around the world. Open from 10am to 5pm on select days only. Cost is $5 per person and all proceeds go to the animals.
815-547-4852
www.summerfieldfarminc.com

July 12
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Belvidere Park, Belvidere
Rockford Pipe Band - Highland Bagpipe Music . Rain site is Community Building, 111 West 1st Street. Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm in Belvidere Park by the Baltic Mill, enjoy free concerts. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket!

July 12
WOOD SONG MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: NEW INVADERS
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
The "Ultimate '60s Flashback" features Melody Mallin performing tunes from such greats as Dusty Springfield, Grace Slick, Leslie Gore, and more. Take a trip back in time to the British Invasion, the Shindig/Hullabaloo era, life-changing events of the decade. Woodstock, Haight-Ashbury and the Viet Nam anti-war movement. We encourage you to get your groove on and dress for the period! Free tours of the Arboretum begin at 4pm until concert begins .
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

July 13-14, 15-16
COS-MINI CAMP
Challenger Learning Center, 222 Church Street, Woodstock
Are you curious to find out what life is like being an astronaut? Sign up for this specialized 2-day camp to find out! Participants will focus on what life is like in space, build a space helmet, test astronaut food and run experiments in our Micronauts lab.
815-338-7722
www.challengerillinois.org

July 13-19
STEPHENSON COUNTY FAIR
Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut, Freeport
8 am to 11 pm. Livestock shows, carnival, truck and tractor pulls, commercial exhibits, country music and more. $: TBA
815-235-2918
www.stephensoncofair.com

July 14-15
2009 FRONTIER LEAGUE ALL STAR GAME AND FESTIVITIES
Riverhawks Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd, Loves Park
over the two days include: Free Youth Clinic for kids conducted by 3 Cubs and 3 White Sox Legends along with RiverHawks players, Autograph Sessions, Cubs/Sox Legends Game, Frontier League Home Run Derby, Batting Practice, Fun Fest in West Parking Lot, All Star Game, Fireworks.
www.rockfordriverhawks.com

July 15-19
KANE COUNTY FAIR
Kane County Fairgrounds, Rt. 38 & Randall Rd., St. Charles.
Old-fashioned county fair, carnival, farm animals, entertainment, food and more! Admission charge.
630-584-6926
www.kanecountyfair.com

July 15-19
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - EVITA!
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
Starlight Theatre is dedicated to providing entertainment and enrichment for the community, joining professional and non-professionals, students and community members together to create the magic of live theatre.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com

July 16-19
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Settlers Park, East Hawick Street, Rockton
Bring the whole family for the parade, music, carnival rides, Trading Post, food booth, fireworks and more at this annual festival. Old Settlers Days is entirely planned and run by volunteers from the Rockton Community as a fund raiser by the Rockton Lions Club. All profits from all our fund raisers go directly back to the community and to sight and hearing related causes.
815-624-7625
www.oldsettlersdays.com

July 16-25
TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS - WAIT UNTIL DARK
Timber Lake Playhouse Theatre, Mt. Carroll
Enjoy a quality live theater. Hang on tight for their summer season, packed with laughs, tears, surprise, and excitement.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

July 17-18
ALPINE KIWANIS BRAT DAYS
3 Rockford Locations, Rockford
Specialties include Johnsonville brats and hot dogs, plus the famous meatless BBQ sandwich. Live entertainment includes jazz, big bands, Dixieland, country, dance troupes and more. Three locations: Edgebrook Shopping Center on Alpine Road, Logli's Supermarket on East State at Trainer Road, and Logli's Supermarket on Alpine & Harlem in Loves Park.
815-243-6909
www.alpinekiwanis-il.org

July 17-19
TREASURES FROM THE ATTIC
Throughout Sycamore
Come to Sycamore for a city wide estate, yard and sidewalk sale. Held throughout Sycamore.
815-895-3456
www.discoversycamore.com

July 17-19
MIDWEST FIBER & FOLK ART FAIR
McHenry County College, Crystal Lake
In just its third year, the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair has grown into one of the premier fiber arts events in the country. Offering three days of workshops, demonstrations, marketplace, entertainment, food, art show and exhibits.
815-276-2537
www.fiberandfolk.com

July 17-19
NATURAL LAND INSTITUTE'S WILDFLOWER WEEKEND
Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 West Rockton Road, Rockton
Guided tours of spectacular prairies in full bloom each day. July 18 is Children and Families Day with wagon rides, displays and programs on wildlife and wildflowers.
815-964-6666
www.naturalland.org

July 17-19
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS KALAMAZOO KINGS
4503 Interstate Blvd, Rockford
Rockford's league-leading baseball team, part of the 12 member Frontier League, has a brand new stadium just off I-90 at Riverside Blvd.  Come for baseball and good, old-fashioned summertime fun.  Games start at 7:05pm except for Sundays, which is 6:05pm.
815-964-2255
www.rockfordriverhawks.com

July 17 - August 1
PEC PLAYHOUSE THEATRE - THE KING AND I
314 Main Street, Pecatonica
East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned bythe King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. Along with the dazzling score, the incomparable Jerome Robbins ballet, “The Small House of Uncle Thomas,” is one of the all-time marvels of the musical stage. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances.
815-239-1210
www.pecplayhouse.org

July 18
ST. CHARLES CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles
Big Hat World Championship Rodeo returns to the Kane County Fairgrounds during the spectacular Kane Co Fair. Along with spectacular livestock, top notch cowboys and cowgirls you\'ll see the antics of renowned rodeo clown "Hollywood Harris" and his friends...& there are lots of surprises for the whole family.
815-648-1957
www.bighatrodeo.com

July 18
DRUM CORPS MAGIC SHOW
McHenry West High School gymnasium, McHenry
The excitement and live performance that inspired the Broadway production Blast will return to McHenry when The Small Drum Corps Association presents "Drum Corp Magic" as part of Fiesta Days. Featured during the evening will be: The Crystal Lake Strikers, The Northernaires from Menominee, Michigan, The Lakeshoremen from Troy, Michigan, The Classic Cavaliers, and The Chicago Royal Airs.
815-385-4300
www.mchenrychamber.com

July 18-19
BELVIDERE MOPAR
Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
Original mopars on display only, swap meet, and more.
815-864-2679
www.chicagolandmopar.com

July 18-19
DIESEL DAYS
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
Vintage diesels will pass in review at the depot. Ride on the coach train pulled by one of these powerful giants. Great photo opportunity for the diesel fan!
800-BIG-RAIL
www.irm.org

July 18-19
LOVE IN BLOOM: COURTSHIP, WEDDINGS AND MORE
Midway Village and Museum Center, Guilford Road, Rockford
Our guests will take a trip back in time to experience all the festivities surrounding typical courtship practices, Midwestern Victorian ethnic weddings including the flowers, food and proper customs of the times. Experience different wedding re-enactments each day. Explore the many shops and homes of Victorian era Midway Village and mingle with the townspeople and out of town wedding guests.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com

July 19
WOODSTOCK FOLK FESTIVAL
Woodstock Square, Cass and Van Buren Streets, Woodstock
Enjoy folk, blues, Latin and Celtic tunes, plus storytelling, children’s concert, song-writing workshop and open mike.
815-479-9933
www.woodstockfolkmusic.com

July 19
VINTAGE WHEELS OF AGRICULTURE
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and Poplar Grove Airport, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This is a family event. The event provides an opportunity for families to enjoy vintage agricultural tractors and Ag equipment, see it operate, enjoy tractor rides, fly-bys, music, good food and visit the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum!
815-547-3115
www.thevintagemuseum.com

July 19
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Belvidere Park, Belvidere
The Mayvilles - 80;s Pop and Rock. Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm in Belvidere Park by the Baltic Mill, enjoy free concerts. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket!

July 19
TINKER WITH MUSIC: OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - SOUNDS OF GOOD NEWS/GOSPEL
Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
Bring lawn chairs, picnic dinners and the whole family to enjoy six concerts presented outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase and the Tinker Museum Gift Shop will remain open before, during and after the performances.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com

July 19-25
ENGLE LANE THEATRE PRODUCTION OF DEARLY BELOVED
1012 Columbus Road, Streator
Come see this production of Dearly Beloved.
815-672-3584
www.englelane.org

July 22-26
DuPAGE COUNTY FAIR
www.dupagecountyfair.org

July 22-26
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - THE KING AND I
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
Starlight Theatre is dedicated to providing entertainment and enrichment for the community, joining professional and non-professionals, students and community members together to create the magic of live theatre.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com

July 23-25
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MINERS
4503 Interstate Blvd, Rockford
Rockford's league-leading baseball team, part of the 12 member Frontier League, has a brand new stadium just off I-90 at Riverside Blvd.  Come for baseball and good, old-fashioned summertime fun.  Games start at 7:05pm except for Sundays, which is 6:05pm.
815-964-2255
www.rockfordriverhawks.com

July 23-26
LEE COUNTY FAIR
Showcasing the talents of Lee County's young people, this event offers something for the whole family. Truck and tractor pulls, garden tractor pull, pedal pull, demolition derby, carnival, stick horse rodeo, and more.
815-857-2603
www.leecounty4hcenter.com

July 24
SUMMER ON STATE
Sycamore Center Parking Lot, Corner of Elm & Somonauk Streets, Sycamore
Free outdoor movie shown at dusk.  Bring lawnchairs or a blanket and curl up under the stars for a fun outdoor movie.
815-895-3456
www.sycamorechamber.com

July 24 and/or July 25
2 BUSY 2 COOK WEEKEND RETREAT
Learn Great Foods, Mt. Carroll
2 Busy 2 Cook? Learn how to make gourmet meals that fit your schedule. This three-day retreat takes place in historic Mount Carroll, IL, the ideal spot to relax and take in Northwest Illinois' rolling hills. The weekend includes a tasting reception, a private consultation with a personal chef, tours of nearby organic farms and stores, and a hilarious "speed" cooking class by our guest chef. And, as during all our retreats, you'll enjoy fantastic gourmet meals that you'll have a hand in preparing. Join us, and take the knowledge home with you.
815-244-5602
www.learngreatfoods.com

July 24-25
SIDEWALK SALE DAYS
Historic Woodstock Square, Woodstock
Shop the square for special savings.
www.awaketowoodstock.com

July 24-26
TURNING BACK TIME CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Downtown Sycamore
Enjoy classic cars and live music on Saturday and over 800 cars on display on Sunday.
815-895-3456
www.sycamorechamber.com

July 24 - August 2
CABA WORLD SERIES
851 W. IL Route 176, Crystal Lake
Nearly 40 state or regional championship teams from across America - Plus international teams from Brazil, Canada, Guam, Japan, Mexico & Puerto Rico makes this truly a World Series.
815-458-1010
www.cabaworldseries.net

July 25
HIDE AND GP SEEK
Spencer Conservation Area, Belvidere
Learn what the popular sport of geocaching is all about, then participate in a GPS led scavenger hunt through Spencer Conservation Area. All equipment is provided. Cost is $5.00/person or $15.00/family. All children under the age of 15 are required to have an adult with them. Space is limited and prepayment and preregistration is required.
815-547-7935

July 25
CARS ON MAIN - 4TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
Main Street, downtown Pecatonica
Enjoy a day in Small Town USA at this open air car show in downtown Pecatonica. Any type of car is welcome: classics, old timers, street rods, customized, late models, etc.
815-239-1853

July 25-26
GENEVA ARTS FAIR
Downtown Geneva, South Third Street, Geneva
Geneva Arts Fair showcases over 140 fine artisians from around the country in a host of mediums.  Victorian homes-turned-businesses in the downtown Historic District serve as a picturesque backdrop for the annual art show. Free admission includes a children's art area. Geneva's train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
630-232-6083
www.genevachamber.com

July 26
AN EVENING AMONG THE GARDENS
Boone County Conservation District, 603 North Appleton, Belvidere
Come to the BCCD festival grounds, 603 N. Appleton, Belvidere, IL and explore seven different gardens. These include a Butterfly garden, Herb garden, Potowatomie garden, Norwegian garden, Scottish garden, Yankee garden and German garden. The event is free and refreshments will be served.
815-547-7935

July 26
TINKER WITH MUSIC: OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - LIVE BAIT/FOLK AND MORE!
Tinker Swiss Cottage, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
Bring lawn chairs, picnic dinners and the whole family to enjoy six concerts presented outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase and the Tinker Museum Gift Shop will remain open before, during and after the performances.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com

July 26 - October 25
SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET
Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich
Monthly antique show from April to October, open from 8am to 4pm. When the gates open at 8AM on April 26th the Sandwich Antiques Market will have a new look on the Westside. Now patrons will be able to see two shows at one fair grounds. The new West Field will open with crafts, flea market items, family garage sales and business booths. The antique and collectible dealers will still be located in the East Field as they have for the past 22 years.
815-786-3337
www.antiquemarkets.com

July 29 - August 2
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - THE PRODUCERS
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
Starlight Theatre is dedicated to providing entertainment and enrichment for the community, joining professional and non-professionals, students and community members together to create the magic of live theatre.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com

July 28 - August 2
LAKE COUNTY FAIR
www.lcfair.net

July 29 - August 2
KANKAKEE COUNTY FAIR
www.kankakeefair.org

July 30 - August 9
TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS - DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Timber Lake Playhouse Theatre, Mt. Carroll
Enjoy a quality live theater. Hang on tight for their summer season, packed with laughs, tears, surprise, and excitement.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

July 31
OREGON CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
Ogle County Fairgrounds, Oregon
Spectacular World Championship Rodeo featuring Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping & Bull Riding as well as great music, hilarious family-friendly clowns, terrific acts and fun for the whole family. 7PM, Friday July 31st at the Ogle Co Fairgrounds.
815-648-1957
www.bighatrodeo.com

July 31
SHARK DISSECTION
Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State Street, Sycamore
Receive a hands-on lesson in anatomy through the dissection of a dogfish shark. Each participant will work on their own specimen. Registration required..
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org

July 31 - August 1
OGLE COUNTY FAIR CRAFT SHOW 2009
Ogle County Fairgrounds
Craft show will be on July 31 and August 1.
815-533-3779
www.oglecountyfair.com

July 31 - August 2
FESTA ITALIANA 2009
Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford
Festa Italiana is now the second largest festival in Rockford. Celebrate Rockford's Italian heritage during three fun-filled days of authentic music and folk dancing, plus carnival rides and booths, kids' activities, and great Italian food.
815-978-3079
www.griaa.com



JULY 2011


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