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MAY 2011


May 11
MOTHERS DAY SERVICE
Tampico Church of Christ, 201 South Freemont Street, Tampico
The Reagan Birthplace and Tampico Historical Society will present a film and reenactment of the 1992 Mother’s Day visit of Ronald & Nancy Reagan to the Tampico Church of Christ. No admission will be charge but donations will be accepted.
815-622-8705
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com

May 21
DIXON RONALD REAGAN DANCE
The Post House, 100 West Second Street, Dixon
Buffet dinner catered by Linda Setchell of KSB using authentic Reagan recipes from the "Dutch Treats Cookbook", Cash BAR; Live 5 Piece Band , the PHAZE (from the Johnny Kaye Orchestra); RED/WHITE/BLUE Petunias Dixon grown by Terry Nichols will serve as decorations and available for purchase. Admission charged. Silent Auction of Donated items and Services. Fundraising to purchase a bench at the Reagan Statue and other charitable endeavors.
815-652-4446

May 30
TAMPICO CEMETERY WALK
Tampico Cemetery, 500 North Main (State Route 172), Tampico
Memorial service by Tampico American Legion post, followed by annual Cemetery Walk honoring local citizens buried in Tampico Memorial Cemetery which will include a special visit from Ronald Reagan impersonator. No admission charge.
815-622-8705
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com





MAY 2010

April 8 - May 28
NIU ART MUSEUM'S - "ART OF THE NEW DEAL" EXHIBITION
NIU Art Museum, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb
The suite runs through May 28, 2010 and includes Coming of Age: The WPA/FAP Graphic Arts Division and the American Print. This exhibition features 61 prints by 33 artists that were actively producing within the print shops of the Graphic Arts Division and includes four types of printmaking techniques: intaglio, relief, lithography, and screenprinting.
815-753-1936
www.niu.edu/artmuseum

April 8 - May 28
NIU ART MUSEUM PRESENTS NEW DEAL ERA PHOTOGRAPHS
NIU Art Museum, 116 Altgeld Hall, DeKalb
The Great Depression, one of the bleakest times in our nation’s history, represented a new moment for government involvement in many facets of American life. The exhibition This Great Nation Will Endure,
opens on April 8 and runs through May 28, 2010, at the NIU Art Museum, and examines the national photography project that was part of the Farm Security Agency (FSA), and headed by Roy Stryker. Renowned photographers such as Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Jack Delano, and Arthur Rothstein worked under Stryker’s leadership to create photographs that have come to represent the quintessential picture of life during the Great Depression .

815-753-1936
www.niu.edu/artmuseum

May-October
WOODSTOCK FARMERS' MARKET
Cass St. and Van Buren St, Woodstock
Every Thursday and Saturday, mid-May to October, shop one of the county's only authentic markets for flowers, produce, baked goods, and other goodies.
815-338-2436

May-October
SELMI'S FARM MARKET
1206 Dixon Ave, Rock Falls
The greenhouse is beautiful and bountiful. June-October: fresh, home grown vegetables, too many to mention. Sweet corn available July and August. Pumpkin World opens in October.

May-October
OTTAWA FARMERS MARKET
Ottawa
Enjoy fresh produce and garden items from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market, Saturday mornings from mid-May through the end of October (with a special holiday market scheduled for December). The short block of Jackson Street between Columbus and La Salle street becomes a colorful street market. Special additional events are featured some Saturdays, to be announced.
815-433-0084

May-October
LOCK AND DAM #13 WALKING TOURS
Fulton Walking tours, every Sunday. Meet at visitor overlook at Lock 7 Dam 13. Thomson Park Rangers,
815-259-3628

April 30 to May 1
FULTON DUTCH DAYS FESTIVAL
Downtown Fulton (Friday & Saturday, 9am - 5pm), Heritage Canyon (Friday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm), Fulton
Enjoy Dutch Dancing, Dutch pastries, craft vendors, food vendors, main stage entertainment, speakers, parade, music, windmill tours, and more.  The Early American Crafters portray pioneer living at Heritage Canyon.
815-589-4545
www.cityoffulton.us

May 1
WINE ON THE FOX
Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego
With the assistance of Fox Valley Winery and the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, this premier event will take place at Hudson Crossing Park and feature wine tasting from 14 - 16 Illinois Wineries, delicious local fare, and live musical entertainment.
630-551-0167
www.visitoswego.org

May 1
I & M CANAL WALK RIDE

Lock 16 Visitor Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle
Walk one to five miles or bike ten to twenty-five miles during this fun, family event. Bring a group from your business or invite some friends and made it a team effort.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org


May 1
SPRING CONCERT - THE ROMANCE OF SPRING
NIU Boutell Concert Hall, Northern Illinois University Music Building, DeKalb
The KSO concludes its season with colorful and powerful music from Tschaikovsky, Mozart and Offenbach. The orchestra will take you through a musical journey with these composers.
815-756-3728
www.kishorchestra.org

May 1
TINKER HUKILAU
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
More details to come - mark your calendar.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com

May 1
GALENA DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
East-side Galena Riverfront, Galena
Get ready for a weekend of relaxation, family entertainment, recreation and exploring historic Galena. Home and garden show featuring 75 exhibitors, live entertainment, great food and beverage, and thousands of daffodils. Master gardeners, landscape architecture, garden art and design, outdoor cooking demonstrations, patio design, unique gardening equipment.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org

May 1-2
SCRAP-A-TRAIN
Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union
The first 200 fare-paying adults on each day will have the opportunity to make a FREE train-themed 12 x 12 scrapbook page. Light refreshments will be served. Admission tickets are good for unlimited rides on all equipment operating that day.
815-923-4000
www.irm.org

May 2
AFFAIR OF THE ARTS
The Shores of Turtle Creek, 7908 Winn Road, Spring Grove
A biannual art show and sale that features 25-35 artists from McHenry County, IL and the surrounding counties. The spring 2010 show will be held May 2 from 10-5 at The Shores of Turtle Creek, 7908 Winn Road, in Spring Grove, IL. More information can be found at the website or by contacting Amy Guanci at 815 675 1087. The art includes blacksmithing, fabric arts, jewelry, photography, wood arts, paintings, pottery and more.
815-675-1087
www.AffairoftheArts.org

May 2
JAZZ MATAZZ
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Street, Rockford
The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center\'s 125th anniversary season comes to a close with hot performances by icons of the Rockford jazz scene.
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

May 2
BOB BLAZIER RUN FOR THE ARTS
Raue Center for the Arts, Crystal Lake
Welcome to the annual Bob Blazier Run For The Arts. Named for Bob Blazier, a zealous supporter of the arts, this event is an annual fundraiser for Raue Center. It will feature a 50-yard dash for kids, a 5-K and 1-mile race.
815-356-9010
www.rauecenter.org

May 6
PARAMORE IN CONCERT
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
Paramore's last 2007 album RIOT! has sold over two million copies worldwide, the group was nomimated for a Grammy Award in 2008 for Best New Artist and even their live CD/DVD The Final Riot! has gone gold. Also appearing are special guests Relient K and Fun.
815-968-5222
www.metrocentre.com

May 6
WILDFLOWER WALK
Boone County Conservation District, Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area, 1/2 mile east of Poplar Grove on 173
Hunt for early wildflowers in the prairie, oak savanna and fen areas at Tuttle Clarkson Natural Area. This hike is part of the series of the 2010 Wildflower Walks sponsored by Severson Dells Nature Center and the Natural Land Institute.
815-547-7935
www.boonecountyconservationdistrict.org

May 6, 12, 20, 26 and June 3
WILDFLOWER WALKABOUTS - EXPLORE NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Various Locations - Winnebago County
Walk where flowers carpet the forest floor and birds fill the air. Walks lead by various leaders.
815-335-2915 or 815-964-6666
www.seversondells.org or www.naturalland.org

May 7
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDEN DAY AND BLOSSOM WALK
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Visits to public gardens are a fun activity for families, couples, and enthusiasts, providing a low-cost, entertaining, and beautiful community outing while providing important resources, education and research on environmental stewardship, and conversation.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

May 7-9
THE GATHERING AT MACKTOWN
Macktown Forest Preserve, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Travel back in time to visit with over 100 reenactors at the historic Macktown site.  Learn about early American frontier life and Native American cultures of the 1650's through 1850's.  Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
815-624-4200
www.macktownlivinghistory.com

May 8
FAMILY PET PHOTO DAY
Veteran Acres, Crystal Lake
Bring your pets and we will photoshoot them by themselves or along with the family members in the beautiful park setting of Veteran Acres located in Crystal Lake. Call to reserve a time - available from 10am to 5pm. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Spay Illinois. For additional information visit the website.
815-477-3480
www.RFPphoto.com

May 8
NEW GLARUS FESTIVAL
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, 411 Kent Street, Rockford
This is the one time each year that we celebrate the only thing Swiss about Tinker's Cottage - the architecture! And, this is the only time that our visitors will hear yodeling, alphorns and be able to buy Swiss Cheese and Swiss Chocolate at Tinker.
815-964-2424
www.tinkercottage.com

May 8
GROUNDWATER EDUCATION FIELD DAY
Boone County Conservation District, Spencer Conservation Area, Main Pavilion, Belvidere
Educational event for the public and local public officials covering environmentally friendly homes, private water wells, private septic systems, groundwater protection, and much more.
815-547-7935
www.boonecountyconservationdistrict.org

May 8
A GARDEN PARTY
Downtown Crystal Lake
Just in time for Mothers' Day. Good things are blooming downtown with flowers, music and garden art. Downtown merchants compete in their now famous Pink Tablecloth Contest. Vote for your favorite to be eligible for downtown gift certificates.
815-479-0835
www.downtowncl.org

May 8
BEETHOVEN'S 9TH - 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Coronado Theatre, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
The climax of the RSO’s 75th anniversary is a magnificent performance of this “joy-filled” immortal classic, performed by a hundred voice chorus, world-class soloists, and a full symphony orchestra. We invite you to this special RSO gala concert as the orchestra joins forces with the Mendelssohn Chorale to celebrate our wonderful community with this glorious music.
815-968-0595
www.rockfordsymphony.com

May 8
LITERACY RUN HALF MARATHON
6616 42nd Street, Rockford
The Literacy Council will host the Carlyle Brewing Co. Literacy Run Half-Marathon. This race serves as one of the primary fundraisers for The Literacy Council and all of the funds stay right here in our very own community.
815-963-7323
www.theliteracycouncil.org

May 8
AN EVENING ON THE BOAT: FOOD, WINE & ENTERTAINMENT
754 First Street, LaSalle
Food and music on the LaSalle Canal Boat. Enjoy homemade appetizers and locally made wine while drifting along the Illinois & Michigan Canal on an 1848 replica canal boat listing to live music. Ride begins at 6PM. $39.95 per person, reservations required.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

May 8
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES
Raue Center for the Arts, 26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
This musical follows the antics of four women as they prepare food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church in 1964.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org

May 11, 15
BIRD HIKES
Boone County Conservation District, Spenser Conservation Area, Belvidere
Join BCCD for a walk to view the birds. This is the time when a lot of species of birds might be migrating through the area. Meet at the Lion's Shelter in Spenser Conservation Area, which is located near the fishing ponds at the end of the park road.
815-547-7935
www.boonecountyconservationdistrict.org

May 13
QUEEN VICTORIA TEA
754 First Street, LaSalle
Meet Queen Victoria, the mother of afternoon tea, and be entertained while she shares how she started the afternoon tea craze and a little bit about her life. Enjoy freshed baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, tea sandwiches, sweets, and a variety of hot and cold teas.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

May 14 to November 5
MULE TENDERS FRIDAY LUNCH AND BOAT RIDE SPECIAL
754 First Street, LaSalle
Enjoy lunch at the lock 16 Center Cafe, a mule tending 101 class, and an hour-long trip on the LaSalle Canal Boat for a special discounted price every Friday. Lunch includes a lunch platter with ice cream for dessert.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

May 15
12TH ANNUAL GROOVE WALK
Various sites in the Downtown River District, Rockford
One Groove Walk ticket admits you to all of the exclusive establishments where you can enjoy fantastic bands playing country, blues, rock, Latino, classic rock, pop, and R&B music. Walk from establishment to establishment or hop the RMTD trolley for a free ride as it runs along the Groove Walk route throughout the event.
815-964-4399
www.onthewaterfront.com

May 15
WINE FESTIVAL - 2010
Pinehill Inn, Oregon
Sample many varieties of wine & beer, plus food from 8 food vendors at Pinehill Inn on Saturday, May 15th beginning at 5:00 until 9:00. Pre-sale tickets have 12 taster tickets and the engraved commemorative wine glass versus only 8 taster tickets and a plain wine glass at the door.
815-732-2100
www.oregonil.com

May 15
INTRODUCTION TO FLIGHT
Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum and Poplar Grove Airport, 5151 Orth Road, Poplar Grove
Vintage Wings and Wheels Youth Aviation Academy is a program available to all kids, ages 8-17. Educational and fun! A 4 hour program where you Learn about aircraft and take a short flight in a plane! Pre-registration required, select dates available.
815-398-4274
www.thevintagemuseum.com

May 15
WWII HOME FRONT EXHIBIT
McHenry West High School, McHenry
World War II memorabilia "show and tell" exhibit. Free admission and parking.
815-363-2100
www.ci.mchenry.il.us

May 15
GARDENOLOGY
Old Courthouse Lawn, corner of South Third and James Streets, Geneva
Gather ideas, advice and dreams for your garden! Specialists and master gardeners will be in downtown Geneva to answer questions. Topics include herbs, flowers, vegetables, heirloom plants and perennials. Learn about attracting birds & butterflies, wildlife control, composting, organic fertilizers and more. Kids’ activities offered. Event will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
630-232-1172 or 630-232-6685

May 15 - October 16
PRISCILLA'S PARLOR MINI FLEA MARKET
1126 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle
Priscilla's Parlor hosts a mini flea market the third Saturday of each month from May to October. We carry antiques, vintage and primitives as well as jewelry, candles and gifts. Located on the historic Lincoln Highway just off of Highway 38, US251 and I39.
815-561-1909
www.priscillasparloronline.com/store

May 15-16
LITTLE HERSHEY'S SWAP MEET AND CAR SHOW
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791North Route 76, one mile north of Belvidere
Browse a wide selection of car parts and accessories.
815-566-9603
www.boonecountyfair.com

May 15-16
SEMI-ANNUAL PEC THING ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET
Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 West 1st Street, Pecatonica
Over 400 dealers spread out over the fairgrounds. Great bargains can be found everywhere...from antique tools and quilts to yard art and jewelry to stamps and postcards to furniture and glassware and everything in between.
815-239-1641
www.winnebagocountyfair.com

May 16
FAIR DIDDLEY CRAFT SHOW
Van Buren & Cass Street, Woodstock Square, Woodstock
Craft show with over 300 exhibitor booths, quality handcrafted work, bake sale, plant sale, 50/50 raffle. Free parking and free shuttle from the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 North Siminary, Route 47. Open from 10am to 5pm.
815-385-5745
www.mhrl.org

May 16
2010 ROCKFORD MARATHON
Downtown Rockford, West State Street and Wyman Street
Runners have the option of signing up for either a full or half marathon route along the scenic Rock River. A community and sports expo will be in Davis Park nearby.
800-554-4160
www.rockfordmarathon.com

May 16 - October 24
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 25th 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

May 18-21
WHITE PINES INN PRESENTS: LEGENDS SHOWCASE
White Pines Theatre, 6712 West Pines Road, Mt. Morris
Live stage shows with talented singers, actors and comedians.
815-946-3817
www.whitepinesinn.com

May 20-23
ROCKFORD RIVER HAWKS vs SCHAUMBURG FLYERS
4503 Interstate Blvd, Rockford
Season Home-Opener.  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.  Game starts at 7:30pm.
815-964-2255
www.rockfordriverhawks.com

May 22
100 MEN WHO COOK
Indoor Sports Center (ISC), 8800 East Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park
More than 150 Rockford area "celebrity chefs" provide a memorable evening of dining with more than 17,000 sample-size servings available for tasting--hors d'oeuvres, salads, entrees, breads and desserts--and the opportunity to win a new car in the famous Three Vehicle Raffle.
815-963-7323
www.theliteracycouncil.org

May 22
DAUGHTRY IN CONCERT
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely will be joined by special guest Lifehouse and opening band Cavo.
815-968-5222
www.metrocentre.com

May 22 - October 23
OPEN AIR MARKET
Parking lot at Main and Genoa Streets, Genoa
Every fourth Saturday from May through October. The markets are a place to find fresh produce, crafts, antiques, second hand goods, new merchandise and more..
815-784-6961
www.genoamainstreet.org

May 23
RARE BREEDS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY SHOW
Garfield Farm Museum, 5 miles west of Geneva
Midwest display rare and historic types of livestock. Annual show.  The only show of its type held in Illinois.
630-584-8485
www.garfieldfarm.org

May 27-29
WILD BILL HICKOK WEEKEND ON THE LASALLE CANAL BOAT
754 First Street, LaSalle
Experience a one-hour trip on a replica 19th century canal boat and learn all about the life of the famous Wild Bill Hickok. May 27 Local Historian Steve Dancey will speak on the life and history of Wild Bill Hickok at the Lock 16 Center at 5PM. This event is free of charge .
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

May 28-30
Mt. CARROLL MAYFEST
Campbell Center, Mt. Carroll
Held on campus of Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies. Continuous headline music on main stage, juried art show, classic car show, unique art vendors, antique appraisal fair, kids activities & more!
815-244-4424
www.mtcarrollil.org

May 28-31
ANNUAL YOUNG AT HEART FESTIVAL
Loves Park City Hall Grounds, 100 Heart Boulevard, Loves Park
Annual 4-day festival with entertainment, carnival rides, vendors, a beer garden and lots of fun. Big fireworks display on Saturday night.
815-633-3999
www.youngatheartfestival.com

May 29
ANNUAL WINE IN BLOOM OPEN HOUSE
Massbach Ridge Winery, 8837 South Massbach Road, Elizabeth
Celebrate spring in the vineyard with live entertainment, tours of the winery and vineyard, and wine tastings. $5 tasting fee.
815-291-6700
www.massbachridge.com

May 29
MAGIC WATERS SEASON OPENING
US 20 Bypass and Harrison Ave, 7820 CherryVale Blvd, Cherry Valley
Join us for bigger and better waves of fun in 2010. Ride the Typhoon Terror thrill ride and others at Magic Waters.
815-966-2442
www.magicwaterswaterpark.com

May 29-31
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT THE ILLINOIS RAILWAY MUSEUM
Illinois Railway Museum, Union
See realistic WW2 environments created by WW2 Reenactment groups. Visit the camps, see the vehicles and talk to the soldiers. Ride The Anzio Express, USO Dance Saturday night. Diesel and electric trains will be operating. Enjoy the West End Jazz Band on Monday.
800-BIG-RAIL
www.irm.org

May 30
HOLIDAY ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES FLEA MARKET
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL 76, Belvidere
Zurko's Midwest Promotions, a 39-year antique show promotion company, manages Antique Flea Markets, Flea Markets, Civil War Shows and Specialty Shows in the Midwest. Antique collectible dealers offer a variety of antiques and collectibles, including country furniture, estate jewelry, Victoriana, postcards, art glass and porcelains, advertising items, old toys, vintage clothing and linens, coins, decorator items, paintings, primitives, treasures, and much, much more.
715-526-9769
www.zurkopromotions.com







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