OCTOBER 2010
August - Thanksgiving weekend
EDWARDS ORCHARD WEST
8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago
Apple orchard located in rural Winnebago featuring a large variety of apples. Also home grown raspberries, pumpkins, squash, Indian corn and gourds. Family fun in a rural atmostphere. Directions: 6 miles north of US Rte 20 - 10 miles northwest of Rockford.
815-963-2261

September 11 - End-October
SHADES OF AUTUMN
Stade Dairy Farm, 3709 West Miller Road, McHenry
A wonderful fall tradition for the family. Enjoy nature's bounty during the most beautiful tim of the year. Free hayrides to pick your pumpkin. Petting zoo, pumpkin cannon, live entertainment, etc. Saturdays and Sundays only.
815-675-6396
www.stadedairyfarm.com

October 1
MENDELSSOHN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - ALASDAIR FRASER, FIDDLE, AND NATALIE HAAS, CELLO
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Streetm, Rockford
The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center is pleased to present Scottish fiddle legend Alasdair Fraser and brilliant young American cellist Natalie Haas! Special guest appearance by the City of Rockford Pipe Band! Big and small fiddle, a familiar feature of Scottish music in the 18th century, join together in tunes from the golden era of Robert Burns to Fraser\'s own compositions. This engaging duo's near-telepathic interplay is dazzling, driving and just plain fun!
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

October
PUMPKINFEST
Royal Oak Farm Orchard, 15908 Hebron Road, Harvard
Columbus Day weekend to end of October. Featuring giant pumpkins, ornamental pumpkins and gourds plus more.
815-648-4141
www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

October
SPOOKTACULAR FESTIVAL
Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford
Friday and Saturday Evenings: Spooktacular Hayrides, Glow in the Dark Pony Ring, Goblin Gameyard, Spook 'N Treat Egg Hunt, Live Country Band, Live Remotes by Q98.5 Radio. Saturday and Sunday Afternoons: Wyoming Trail Rides, Pony Ring, Hayrides, Corn Launch, Corn Maze, Boo Barnyard, Arts & Crafts at the Farm, Cowboy Cookouts All programs and activities are weather-dependent and subject to change.
815-987-8809
www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/spooktacular

October 1-31
LENA COMMUNITY HAUNTED BARN
Lions Park
609 S. Schuyler, Lena
Friday and Saturday: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Ticket Sales open at 6 pm). Open select Sundays. Multiple levels of thrills and chills in 2 barns connected by a 150' slide, haunted scenes, changing mazes, a haunted trail, and scary encounters. Not recommended for children under 7.
815-369-2642

October 2
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF BOONE COUNTY 5K WALK/RUN
Belvidere
The 1st annual Habitat for Humanity of Boone County Run/Walk will take place on October 2nd, 2010 . This is a family event in place to promote the meaning behind Habitat for Humanity. There will be prizes given to the top times and additionally, each participant will be provided with refreshments and door prizes provided we receive the necessary donations.
815-871-8937

October 2
GALENA OKTOBERFEST
Galena's Eastside Riverfront
Annual German celebration featuring live music, kids games, wiener dog races and lots of food and beverage.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org

October 2
FULTON FALL FESTIVAL
Downtown Fulton and Heritage Canyon
the Fall season in downtown Fulton with bobbin’ for apples, buggy rides, pumpkin painting, gunny sack races, music, food, children’s activities, hay bale maze, and more.  The Early American Crafters portray pioneer living at Heritage Canyon.  Demonstrations include broom stick making, wood stove cooking, weaving, knitting, candle making, wood carving, music, and more.
815-589-4545
www.cityoffulton.us

October 2
FALL BRAWL DEMOLITION DERBY
Ogle County Fairgrounds, Oregon
Held October 2, 2010, our fall show, with plenty of fresh cars and an opportunity for all the derby icons to finish off their cars before winter. Heavy Hitters galore at this show.
262-295-8061
www.derbyicons.com

October 2
EGYPTIAN THEATRE HAUNTED TOURS
Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb
Take a tour of the theatre and experience a side of the Egyptian Theatre that most never see. You will be filled in on paranormal activity and ghost sightings that have taken place. You will be split up into groups to investigate the ghosts and sightings to see if you can find your own evidence and hopefully experience paranormal events!
815-758-1215
www.egyptiantheatre.org

October 2-3
AUTUMN ON PARADE
Downtown Oregon, Corner of Rt 64 & Rt 2, Oregon
Celebrate the fall season at the Autumn on Parade Festival in downtown Oregon. This event features a craft fair, farmer’s market, top notch strolling entertainment and food provided by local not-for-profit organizations. Fine Arts Show, antique tractors and classic auto show on Saturday and huge Harvest Time Parade on Sunday.
815-732-3465
www.autumnonparade.org

October 2-3
OLDE ENGLISH FAIRE
Stronghold Camp & Conference Center, Route 2 North, Oregon
Stronghold Center transforms its property into the site of an Olde English Faire.  Swordfighters will keep alive the tradition of chivalry, merry minstrels will serenade with melodies from near and far, children will reign supreme in the Gremlin's Garden, wandering players will amaze you with feats of magic & zany comedy and merchants & artisans will offer fanciful treasures for sale.  Hearty food, coffee and soft drinks will be available for sale.  Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
815-732-6111
www.strongholdcenter.org

October 2 to January 2
GROSSOLOGY EXHIBIT - THE IMPOLITE SCIENCE OF THE HUMAN BODY
Riverfront Museum Park – Woodward Exhibition Hall, 711 North Main Street, Rockford
Grossology explores why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk. Based on the best-selling book "Grossology," the exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the good, the bad and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and much more. The 5,000-square-foot exhibition has more than 20 interactive displays and games and is touring North America on a five-year commitment, visiting major museums, science centers, theme parks and other similar venues.
815-963-6769 or 815-965-3433
www.discoverycentermuseum.org or www.burpee.org

October 3
HARVEST GATHERING OF 1858
Powers-Walker Farmstead, McHenry County Conservation District-Glacial Park, Ringwood
Step back in time to try your hand at carding wool and watch as it is spun into yarn at McHenry County Conservation District’s Harvest Gathering of 1858. Join costumed re-enactors as they prepare for winter on the prairie in the 1850's. Learn how early settlers created fall garlands and dolls using cornhusks. Make a wheat-weaving ornament, a yarn doll or help shell corn off the cob then grind it into flour with a hand crank. Check out old-time woodworking methods and bobbin lace weaving; see a weapons demonstration of the era by a Cavalry sergeant on horseback. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to tour inside the house, which is opened to the public only a few times a year.
www.mccdistrict.org

October 3
ANNUAL HERITAGE CEMETERY WALK
Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore
Hear the stories of men, women, and children who lived in our community that are buried in Elmwood Cemetery. About five characters are portrayed during the walk, along with general information about the cemetery's history.
815-895-5762
info@sycamorehistory.org

October 3
PRAIRIE RIDERS GRASS DRAGS
Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Route 76, Belvidere
Come enjoy the Grass Drags and swap meet where snowmobiles race, not on snow but on grass.  Good fun for the whole family.
815-544-2723

October 3
AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Center, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford
Bring the entire family out for a day at our annual celebration of fall festival.Pumpkins, horse-drawn wagon rides, activities for the kids, scarecrows, cider and more.
815-965-8146
www.klehm.org

October 8
MARY TODD LINCOLN TEA
754 First Street, LaSalle
Enjoy afternoon tea with Mary Todd Lincoln at the Lock 16 Center.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 8-10
SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Downtown St. Charles
Over 100 whimsical hand-crafted Scarecrows are on display and you can vote for your favorite Scarecrows in seven creative categories. The festival includes an Art & Craft Show, carnival, free live entertainment, Storytelling Tent, Harley Exhibit, Model Railroad Show, riverboat cruises, lots of free children activities including the popular “make your own scarecrow” where families & friends can make a scarecrow to take home.
800-777-4373
www.scarecrowfest.com

October 8-11
LINCOLN IN LASALLE
754 First Street, LaSalle
Enjoy your time at the Lock 16 Visitor Center & LaSalle Canal Boat.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30
TERROR ON THE RAILROAD
Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union
Join us for a haunted Halloween Train Experience (visitors must be at least 13 and in good health).
815-923-4000
www.irm.org

October 9
DEDICATION OF STATE HISTORICAL MARKER
Ronald Reagan Park, 130 Main Street, Tampico
Dedication of State Historical Marker honoring Ronald Reagan.
815-622-8705
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com

October 9
CHILI SHOOT OUT
9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park
Over 50 cooking teams of the area's best cooks compete for Best Chili and Best Showmanship in the annual Chili Shoot Out. More than 50 teams compete and provide lots of opportunities to taste some of the best (and hottest) chili around. Live music will be provided. Other festival food is also available.
815-399-2233
www.chilishootout.com

October 9
ANNUAL TURKEY TESTICLE FESTIVAL
105 N. Union Street, Byron
The annual Turkey Testicle Festival will be held October 9th at the Union Street Station in Byron.  This annual event draws thousands of people each year and during its 30-year run, the event whose tag line is "come have a ball" has transformed from a small gathering to try out a rare snack to one of the city's most popular fundraisers.  The event started in 1979 when Frank Maragi Sr. bought about 25 pounds of frozen turkey testicles and raised $130 for charity. Last year they hosted more than 5,000 attendees and $25,000 was raised for charity .
815-234-9910

October 9
LASALLE CANAL BOAT RIDE WITH MRS LINCOLN
754 First Street, LaSalle
Enjoy a one-hour trip on a replica 19th century canal boat with Mrs Mary Todd Lincoln as your guide.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 9-10
FALL DIDDLEY
Boone Fairgrounds, Route 76 & Business 20, Belvidere
Annual craft show featuring over 300 crafters and artists displayed in booths, in building and tents.
815-385-5745
www.mhrl.org

October 9-10
GALENA COUNTRY FAIR
Grant Park, Galena
This has been around for over 30 years - and draws 8-10,000 people. More than 150 vendors offering original, handmade arts, crafts and fine arts. Fair food, live entertainment, children’s games, farmers' markets.
815-776-9200
www.galenacountryfair.org

October 9-10
SCARECROW HARVEST FESTIVAL
Midway Village and Musuem Center, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Enjoy time-honored harvest activities, free straw for making your own scarecrow and a Midway Marauders old-time baseball game. Museum interpreters will be on hand in the Village.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com

October 9-11
PUMPKIN FILL UP
10258 US Hwy 20, Garden Prairie
Columbus Day weekend.  Free admission and parking. U-Pick pumpkins are $3 each up to 40lbs, U-Pick gourds, indian corn, squash and more. Twisting corn path for the little ones, corn maze for the older. Plus all your Fall decoration needs. Pony rides Saturday and Sunday only. Don't miss out. Come for all your Fall decorations including pumpkins galore!
815-597-3011
www.susiesgardenpatch.com

October 9, 16, 23
TRAIN OF TERROR
Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad, 2954 S. Walnut, Freeport
6 pm to 9 pm. All aboard the Train of Terror into the world of darkness for a thrilling and chilling 4 mile ride. 815-235-2198

October 10
25TH ANNUAL BAIRD HEAD OF THE ROCK REGATTA
Rock River in downtown Rockford
More than 1,700 rowers from throughout the USA will gather in Rockford for this sanctioned US Rowing event. Participants come from over 60 rowing clubs, high schools and universities. Seven of the Big Ten Conference Teams will be participating this year as well as other Division 1, 2 and 3 schools. Rowers range from teens to seniors, from novices to masters. There are men’s, women’s and mixed teams.
815-987-2252
www.regattacentral.com

October 15
PILOBOLUS DANCE THEATER
Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main Street, Rockford
The world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre returns to the RCCA lineup after their amazing appearance here in 2003. The company is not only a regular in concert halls but has also taken part in three Olympics opening ceremonies and an Academy Awards program.  Pilobolus is known for its nontraditional, imaginative and athletic exploration of creative collaboration.
815-968-0595
www.coronadopac.org

October 15-17
AUTUMN DRIVE
Garden Valley Road, Woodstock
Harvest time in the countryside. Farms along Garden Valley Road open their doors to offer fresh produce, Fall vegetables, pumpkins, crafts, antiques and plenty of good food. Open daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
815-923-2415
www.autumndrive.net

October 15-17
TWENTY DIRTY HANDS
238 North Main Street, Elizabeth
Join us the second weekend in October. Tour the beautiful Galena countryside, enjoy the fall colors and visit some of the area's best know pottery and sculpure studios - open just for this weekend with special exhibits and events, allowing visitors a unique view of their kilns, forges and workspaces.
815-858-2327
www.twentydirtyhands.com

October 16
NIU HUSKIE FOOTBALL - HOMECOMING
Huskie Stadium, DeKalb
Huskie football vs Buffalo, game kicks off at 3pm.
877-DEKALB1

October 16
FALL FESTIVAL
1730 North Main Street, Sycamore
Celebrate Fall - make apple cider, learn about the art of blacksmithing, and work with a simple machine to make rope.
815-895-5762
info@sycamorehistory.org

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

October 16
THE NEVERLY BROTHERS
26 North Williams Street, Crystal Lake
Chicago Tribune’s “2010 Top Band in Chicagoland“—let The Neverly Brothers take you back to a simpler time and experience the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll from its 1950s American Rockabilly roots to the 1960s British Invasion.
815-356-9212
www.rauecenter.org

October 16
2nd ANNUAL FALL GROOVE WALK
Downtown Rockford
Join On the Waterfront, Inc. for this annual music walk celebrating Rockford's downtown River District and music scene! Walk from establishment to establishment or ride the RMTD trolley to visit fabulous establishments each hosting local, award-winning musicians. Country, blues, rock, latino, classic rock, pop, and R&B music are all featured throughout the night. Your attendance supports the future of Rockford's music, as a portion of the proceeds benefits the RAMI's Gary Wilmer Scholarship Fund, a music scholarship fund for high school seniors.
815-964-4388
www.onthewaterfront.com/groovewalk.htm

October 16-17
TRAIL OF HISTORY
6316 Harts Road, Ringwood
Witness what life was like in the Northwest Territory from 1670 to 1850. The one mile trail to the encampment takes you back in time featuring over 200 interpreters from across the country who demonstrate the crafts and trades from early settler days. Experience a frontier school, log cabin living, and Métis Village. Witness a voyageur landing, military tactics and Dr. Balthazar’s traveling medicine show. Jugglers, swordsmen and a variety of musicians, dancers, sheep dogs and more will entertain the entire family. From 10am to 4pm.
815-338-6223
www.mccdistrict.org

October 17
PROPHETSTOWN MENS CLUB FARM TOY SHOW
Prophetstown High School, 310 West Riverside Drive, Prophetstown
Farm toys and collectibles displayed and sold at Prophetstown High School. Food Stand available. Display of antique farm equipment. Admission charged.
815-537-5602
www.prophetstownil.com

October 21
FALL DINNER - LECTURE SERIES
754 First Street, LaSalle
David Dolak, Professor of Geology and Environmental Sciences at Columbia College Chicago "Across the Chicago Portage and the Continental Divide: A Story of Glaciers, Geography, and Destiny." Discover how the geology of Northeastern Illinois created the water link used by the Voyageurs and later, the Illinois and Michigan Canal to develop Chicago into the dominant city in the mid-continent of North America.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 22-24
ROCK-CON 2010 GAME FAIR
Indoor Sports Center, 8800 East Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Rock-Con 2010 Game Fair is the Midwest's premier regional gaming convention, celebrating its 36th anniversary. Featured are historical and fantasy miniature gaming, collectible miniatures, role playing, collectible card and board gaming events covering the entire spectrum of adventure gaming.
866-776-6739
www.rock-con.com

October 22-26
NATIONAL MULE DAY
754 First Street, LaSalle
Celebrate National Mule Day at the Lock 16 Center and on the LaSalle Canal Boat. There will be ongoing events throughout the weekend. Check website for updated info.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 22-24, 27-31
"AMENTI" - THE EGYPTIAN THEATRE HAUNTED HOUSE
Egyptian Theatre, 135 North 2nd Street, DeKalb
Amenti is the Egyptian Goddess guarding the world of the dead. Within her gates lie the horrors of the Egyptian underworld. Terror after terror await those who dare to enter. But be careful, Amenti jealously guards her gates and assures that no one escapes. Tthe Egyptian Theatre Haunted House is sure to make you want your mummy. Amenti will run from Friday, October 22 to Sunday, October 24, and Wednesday October 27 to Sunday, October 31, from 7-11pm each night.
815-758-1215
www.amenti.info

October 23
BOONE COUNTY HARVEST FEST
Belvidere Park and Spencer Park, Belvidere
From 9 AM - 5 PM in Belvidere Park along the Kishwaukee Riverfront Path through the Baltic Mill there will be... Scarecrow Walk (contestants must arrive at 7:00 AM to begin decorating their scarecrow, and be finished no later than 8:30 AM to allow time for setup of scarecrows along the walk) • Pumpkin inflatable for children • Pick-a-pumpkin • Guided tours of the historic Baltic Mill • Live music in the stage area adjacent to the Baltic Mill • Open Air Market in the field adjacent to the Baltic Mill, including farm produce, cheeses, meats, and folk art vendors selling various wares • Wine & beer tasting in the Baltic Mill conference area • Food available at the Wienie Wagon. From 5 PM - 9 PM in the Boone County Conservation District by the Spencer Pavillion there will be... Horse-drawn hay rides • Fireside Music • Bonfire • S'mores • Square Dancing • Food available from the Lion's Club.
815-547-4252
www.boonecountyharvestfest.com

October 23
ALL HALLOWS EVE
Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Midway's recreated 1900's village decorated for the holiday. Activities include children's costume parade, children's Halloween crafts and guided tours of the Haunted Forest (5pm-8pm). Food and snacks available.
815-397-9112
www.midwayvillage.com

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 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

October 27-31
SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Downtown Sycamore
The lawn of the courthouse is filled with hundreds and hundreds of pumpkins that are carved, painted and created by area children. Food, crafts, contests, fun and more culminate in a gigantic parade through town. Last full weekend in October.
888-828-4FUN 
www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com

October 29
FOOD AND GHOST STORIES ON THE LASALLE BOAT
754 First Street, LaSalle
Experience Halloween in a whole new way on the LaSalle Canal Boat. Listen to ghost stories of the past from local storyteller Tricia Kelly and enjoy homemade Lock 16 Cafe appetizers and drinks. $29.95 per person, reservations required.
815-223-1851
www.lasallecanalboat.org

October 29
GALENA HALLOWEEN BALLOON GLOW
Galena River, Galena
See spectacular hot air balloons lit from within at dusk as they are lined up along the Galena River. Weather permitting.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org

October 29
MENDELSSOHN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CELEBRATES SCHUMANN
Court Street United Methodist Church, 215 North Court Streetm, Rockford
Robert Schumann, a composer who epitomized the 19th century romantic, was inspired by his beloved Clara in many of his songs and instrumental works. In celebration of Schumann’s 200th birth year, these beautiful compositions will be performed by the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center’s own Performing Artists!
815-964-9713
www.mendelssohnpac.org

October 29
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE
Metro Centre, 300 Elm Street, Rockford
The highly anticipated “So You Think You Can Dance Tour” will give fans a chance to see all their favorite dancers up close and in person!  The heart pounding show will feature this season’s finalists performing the most popular routines in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballroom, Tango, Broadway, Salsa and more as well as original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour.
815-968-5222
www.metrocentre.com

October 29-31
OKTOBERFEST
Mt. Carroll
Historic cemetery tours, Raven's Grin Haunted House, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Mount Carroll, professional storytelling for all ages, and more.
815-244-CALL
www.mount-carroll.il.us

October 30
GALENA HALLOWEEN PARADE
Galena River, Galena
The largest and most spectacularly spooky Halloween parade in the tri-state area floats down Main St. Galena. Floats, costumes, prizes and treats for guys and "ghouls" of all ages.
815-776-9200
www.visitgalena.org






OCTOBER 2009

October 8-12
SETTLERS' DAYS
Marengo
Annual Event in Marengo at various locations. Includes a Carnival, Queen Pageant, Pumpkin Contest, Petting Zoo, Pancake Breakfast, Scarecrow Decorating, Car Show, and much more.
www.settlersdays.org





OCTOBER 2011

October 22
ON THE PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY GALA
Brandywine, 441 Illinois Route 2, Dixon
An elegant evening with a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, music and dancing and special speaker. This third annual event will have a 1940s theme with guests encouraged to dress in period clothing.
815-288-5176
www.ronaldreaganhome.com



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