JULY 2008
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 1-3
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS
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 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
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 2-5
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 2-6
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 2-6
GRUNDY COUNTY FAIR
www.grundyfair.org
July 3-6
CRYSTAL LAKE GALA
Lippold Park, Route 176 and Route 14, Crystal Lake
Enjoy this old fashioned small town summer festival and concert, complete with food, nationally-known entertainers, carnival, parade and fireworks .
815-334-7761
www.clgala.com
July 3-13
TIMBERLAKE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE: ALL SHOOK UP
This exciting new musical comedy is old-fashioned in its style, as it's based on Elvis Presley's 1964 film Roustabout.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
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 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
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
PROPHETSTOWN LIONS CLUB 4TH OF JULY
335 Washington, Prophetstown
All day event in Prophetstown.
815-537-5139
www.prophetstownil.com
July 4
BATAVIA’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Batavia High School
630-879-1424
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 4-6
DURAND 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL
IL Rt. 70, 1 mile north of IL Rt. 75, Durand
A four-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 6
ART AT ELLWOOD
Art Fair and Sale, 509 S. First St., DeKalb
Over 100 artists and craftspersons. Juried show, Food.
815-756-4609
July 7-8, 10-11, 28-29, 30-31
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 9
CHILDRENS MANNERS CLASS
Victorian Rose Garden B & B, 314 Washington Street, Algonquin
Come and learn the secret to good manners while enjoying tea and dessert. Topics include introductions and handshakes, how to RSVP, being on time, table manners, setting the table, respect for others, and thank you notes. The class is suitable for both boys and girls, ages 6-11.
847-854-9667
www.sleepandeat.com
July 10-13
PALOS HILLS FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL
8455 West 103rd Street, Palos Hills
Come join us as we celebrate over 26 years of this festival and carnival. Lots of entertainment, carnival, food, etc.
708-430-4500
www.paloshillsweb.org
July 11 & 25
BATAVIA JAYCEES CRUISE NIGHTS
Downtown Riverwalk on Houston Street, Batavia
Free community cruise nights. Trophies given out every cruise night.
630-761-2978
July 11-27
PEC PLAYHOUSE THEATRE - GODSPELL
314 Main Street, Pecatonica
Based on the Gospel According to Matthew, Godspell boasts a string on well-loved songs led by the international hit "Day By Day". As the cast performs "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord", "Learn your Lessons Well", "All Good Gifts", and "By My Side", the parables of Jesus Christ come to life.
815-239-1210
www.pecplayhouse.org
July 12
FAMILY FLY DAY & YOUNG EAGLES
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and Poplar Grove Airport, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
Come enjoy food, old airplanes, old cars, fly-bys, youth programs and other events. For those interested in vintage aviation, old automobiles, and more. Come see our museum!
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org
July 12
MT. CARROLL GARDEN WALK
Various locations around Mt. Carroll
Stroll our brick streets and enjoy our unique historic architecture while viewing beautiful flower, shade, and perennial gardens.
815-244-CALL
www.mount-carroll.il.us
July 12
FRIENDSHIP TEA
Steal away from the busyness of the summer and spend some quiet time with your friends. Enjoy delicious dessert teatime in a Victorian setting, followed by a tour of the 1886 folk Victorian home. Wear your favorite hat and bring a story about friends to share with those at your table.
847-854-9667
www.sleepandeat.com
July 12-13
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 12-13
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 13
BRITISH BOOTS N' BONNETS CAR SHOW
Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum & Airport, Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This is a family-oriented all British car and vintage aircraft show. Over 100 cars representing many marques. Vintage aircraft will be in the air and on display (weather permitting). Poplar Grove Airport Musuem will be open for tours.
815-547-3115
www.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org
July 13
WOOD SONG MUSIC IN THE GARDEN: CHUBBY CARRIER
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Warm breezes, flowers in bloom, a sumptuous picnic supper, plus great live musical entertainment...it's the perfect summer evening. Gates open at 4pm. Concerts start at 6pm. Series of 4 concerts $55 ($45 for klehm members) or individual concerts $18 ($15 for klehm members), under 16 FREE. 815-965-8146
www.klehm.org
July 14-18
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 16-20
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 17-20
ANTIOCH'S TASTE OF SUMMER AND SIDEWALK SALES
Downtown Antioch
4 days of fun. The big top tents are home to delectable foods while the carnival and musical entertainment are just steps away.
847-395-2233
July 17-26
TIMBERLAKE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE: THE FOREIGNER
Nonstop hilarity builds to a wildly funny climax in this farce about mistaken assumptions and assumed identity.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
July 18
BLUES AND BLUEGRASS
H.I.Lincoln Building, 136 North Elm Street, Franklin Grove
Open stage. Acoustic music. Always the third Friday of the month. Free admission.
815-456-3030
July 18-20
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS RIVER CITY RASCALS
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 19
PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE DAY
Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 West State Street, Sycamore
Guided tours and live animal creepy-crawly shows will be scheduled throughout the day. All are welcome.
815-895-9777
www.mmnh.org
July 19-20
BELVIDERE MOPAR
Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
Original mopars on display only, swap meet, and more.
815-864-2679
www.chicagolandmopar.com
July 19-20
VICTORIAN WEDDING
Midway Village and Museum Center, Guilford Road, Rockford
Our guests will take a trip back in time to experience all the festivities surrounding a typical Midwestern Victorian wedding including the flowers, food and proper customs of the times.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com
July 20
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.
815-338-2436
www.woodstockfolkmusic.com
July 20
VINTAGE WHEELS OF AGRICULTURE
Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum & Airport, 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
July 21-25
ACIE EARL YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP
Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 Locust Street, Belvidere
815-765-9183
July 21-25
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 22-27
LAKE COUNTY FAIR
www.lakecountyfairassoc.com
July 23-27
DuPAGE COUNTY FAIR
www.dupagecountyfair.org
July 24-26
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS VS EVANSVILLE OTTERS
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 24-27
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 25
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 25 - August 3
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 26-27
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 Historic District serve as a picturesque backdrop for the annual art show voted "Best Craft or Art Show" in 2007 by West Suburban Living magazine. Free admission. Stroll through the artist's booths and savor tasty morsels from the food court.
630-232-6060
www.genevachamber.com
July 26-27
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 27
SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET
Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich
Monthly market held April to October. Open 8am to 4pm.
815-786-3337
www.antiquemarkets.com
July 30
VINTAGE WHEELS OF AGRICULTURE
Poplar Grove Wings and Wheels Museum & Airport, Orth Road, Poplar Grove
This is a family event. The event provides an opportunity for families to enjoy vintage agricultural tractos 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.wingsandwheelsmuseum.org
July 30 - August 3
MCHENRY COUNTY FAIR
Route 47 & Country Club Road, Woodstock
Carnival rides, food booths, entertainment, animal & antique competitions, and much more.
815-338-5310
www.mchenrycountyfair.com
July 30 - August 3
KANKAKEE COUNTY FAIR
www.kankakeefair.org
July 31 - August 10
TIMBERLAKE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE: THE PRODUCERS
Mel Brooks' comedy smash about a down-on-his-luck producer and nerdy accountant who realize they can strike it rich by making a sure-fire Broadway flop.
815-244-2035
www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
JULY 2007
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 5-8
ROCKTON'S OLD SETTLERS DAYS
IL 75 & Rockton Road, Rockton
Annual 4-day event including amusement carnival rides, crafters, a beer garden, food, auction, teen tent, entertainment, a parade on Saturday and a phenomenal fireworks show on Sunday.
815-624-4211
July 11-15
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - PETER PAN
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
A musical based on the play by James M. Barrie, music by Mark Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com
July 13-22
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 and more.
815-385-4300
July 18-22
STARLIGHT THEATRE PRESENTS - DISNEY'S GEPPETTO AND SON
Rock Valley Campus, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford
Based on Disney's made-for-television movie Geppetto, book by David L. Stern, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, additional music from Walt Disney's Pinnocchio.
815-921-2160
www.rvcstarlight.com
July 20-21
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: 1.5 miles north on Alpine Road from State St. (U.S. Business 20), Logli's Supermarket: E. State at Trainer Rd, about a mile west of I-90 <li>Riverfront Museum Park: 711 N. Main St. (IL 2), 0.5 miles north of downtown.
815-243-6909
July 21
OFF SQUARE MUSIC PRESENTS "GRASSLANDS QUINTETTE"
Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean Street, Woodstock
One exciting band that has emerged in the midwest. Whatever their style, they accompany their songs with red hot instrumentation.
815-338-5164
www.offsquaremusic.org
July 21-22
VINTAGE FARM EQUIPMENT AND TOY SHOW
Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Vintage tractors, garden tractors, and antique tractors will be on display for you to look at. Lots of activities for the kids including a tractor parade, tractor games, food, and more. Saturday, 10a.m. to 5p.m.; Sunday, 10a.m. to 4p.m.
815-397-9112
July 27-29
FIESTA HISPANA
8800 E. Riverside Blvd, Rockford
Share Hispanic culture in this three-day festival with food, music, crafts, carnival, and soccer. Top Latin entertainment and special events including jalapeno eating, dance, and grito (yelling) contests and more.
815-378-2010
July 27-29
ROCKIN RIB FEST
8750 North Second Street, Machesney Park
Rockin' Rib Fest is a family food and music festival with entertainment for all ages including top local and regional bands, including The Reggie Sears Unit. Full carnival with rides and games. Taste slow-cooked and smoked ribs from champion rib chefs from across America while soaking up the summer sounds and fun. No carry-ins (cans, bottles, coolers, alcohol, food, etc.) allowed.
815-885-3192
www.rockfordribfest.com
July 27-29
ANNUAL THRESHING AND ANTIQUE SHOW
Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut, Freeport
Antique steam and horse-powered engines and equipment, featuring John Deere. Demonstrations, 140 dealer flea market, Gasoline Alley, sawmill, blacksmith shop, daily parade, antique tractor and horse pulls. Ride the Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad antique steam train and visit the Silvercreek Museum.
815-235-7329 or 815-232-2306
July 28
HARD LANDING
Galt Airport, Greenwood Road northeast of Woodstock
Iron Butterfly and Canned Heat headline a psychedelic tie-dyed music extravaganza, along with the Hudsoon McCoy Band.
815-648-4591
July 28
8th ANNUAL FREEPORT WHEEL-A-THON
The Gospel Outreach Church, 211 West Spring Street, Freeport
Community event to raise awareness of the issues involved when using a wheelchair for mobility and the importance of accessibility. Police K-9 unit, Critter Camp, delicious picnic lunch, plus much more.
815-233-1128
JULY 2009
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