More to see, do as holiday event expands

Rockford’s newest holiday tradition—Stroll on State —will expand to both sides of the Rock River as it returns for another holiday season.

The free event will run from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 with activities in and around the downtown area.

Last year, more than 30,000 people participated in the inaugural Stroll on State, sponsored by the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The event has been extended to East State St. and additional food and retail vendors have been added.

A variety of family-friendly activities will kick off the holiday event.

A highlight of the evening will be the community stroll along State Street from City Hall to the PNC Bank Plaza for the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. Additionally, live entertainment and music will greet visitors along State Street, and there will be a wide variety of shopping opportunities at downtown stores and pop-up shops special to the evening.

“Stroll on State is about creating traditions with family and friends,” said John Groh, RACVB president/CEO. “Whether it is watching the tree lighting ceremony, talking with Santa, shopping at a downtown retailer, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, we know everyone will create their own cherished memories.”

This year, kids can visit with Santa and pet some of his reindeer at Joe Marino Park, which will be transformed into a magical Santaland. Strollers can stop and watch ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ projected on the side of a building in the 300 block of East State; and families can enjoy festive horse and wagon rides throughout downtown.

The popular ice skating rink will move to a new location this year as the Stroll grounds expand to include activities on Wyman and Main Streets. Nestled under the lighted arches on North Main Street, the special synthetic ice-rink is expected to be a popular attraction again this year.

Fire & Ice is a perfect complement to the restaurants and shopping in the 400 and 500 blocks of East State Street. Enjoy the ambience, smell wood burning and watch flames flicker inside of the ice features.

S’mores stations will be set up in two locations downtown. Whether you’ve just visited Santa and his reindeer or are watching the Grinch in Who-ville, Stroll grillmasters will grill these tasty treats all night.

Hammy Hog, of the Rockford Ice Hogs, and his Hamboni (team Zamboni) will be will be located on South Main Street, ready to take photos with families.

Allstate Insurance will again sponsor the horse & wagon rides where guests can sing and create memories as they experience the lights, sounds and decoration displays together in true, hometown holiday fashion.

New this year will be the addition of FROSTYLAND by LisA fRosT studio in the historic lobby of Rockford’s City Hall, 125 East State St.

“My goal is to provide a unique and happy shopping experience where City Hall is filled with LisA fRosT original Christmas items such as banners, wrapping papers, stockings, dolls, mugs and ornaments for retail sale within a transformed, whimsical wonderland.” said local artist, Lisa Frost.

The Holiday Market also returns. This year guests will have more opportunities to enjoy shopping for holiday decorations, gifts and treats at not one but now three locations: Chase Bank lobby, 401 East State St.; Stewart Square, 308 West State St.; and City Hall. Vendors will be announced soon.

Popular last year, professional ice sculptor Randy Finch of Ice Brigades and his team are returning to create art out of ice. The ice carving show will take place at the base of the historic Rockford Register Star tower, 99 East State Street. The Ice Brigades is a nationally known feature on the Food Network.

Crews of volunteers, led by Rockford Sharefest, will unleash the spirit of the holidays as they decorate downtown Rockford with white lights, garland, ribbons, oversized ornaments, and dramatic large-scale decorations.

A core group of nearly 20 volunteers have worked since September to plan, design and build new decorations that will be installed throughout downtown, primarily along East and West State Streets and North and South Wyman.

–News Bulletin news sources