By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our free e-newsletter
ROCKFORD — After the city’s official Christmas tree is lit during Stroll on State next month, more than 200 drones will float into the sky for a synchronized aerial light show with holiday and Rockford-themed images.
The drone show is one of the new additions to this year’s daylong festivities for Stroll on State, which happens from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 in downtown.
The free annual holiday festival, which transforms downtown into a winter wonderland, is now in its 12th year. GoRockford held a news conference on Wednesday at its downtown offices to announce plans for this year’s festivities.
“Stroll on State is a cornerstone of community pride and has built a deep connection between Rockford residents and visitors alike. This holiday event highlights a spirit of collaboration, bringing businesses, volunteers and organizations together to create something truly special,” said Kristen Paul, GoRockford’s executive vice president. “Beyond the festivities, Stroll on State leaves a lasting impact by increasing tourism, giving back to our locals and providing an annual tradition that guests can look forward to every year. This year is no different, we cannot wait to bring the magic of the holidays to downtown Rockford for all to enjoy.”
The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. near Main and Elm streets next to the BMO Center. The drone show will immediately follow in the sky southeast above the main stage.
Fireworks will still conclude the night at 8:30 p.m. over the Jefferson Street bridge.
This is the second time GoRockford has put on a drone show, with the city’s first such show happening this past summer during the CRE8IV mural festival.
Here’s some more of what’s new at this year’s stroll.
Design a Stroll on State shirt
Stroll on State is looking for local artists to design a T-shirt that will be showcased as one of this year’s official Stroll on State shirts.
Designs are being accepted through Nov. 14 at strollonstate.com. There will be two winners chose from full-color and single-color categories. Each selected design will receive a $250 prize.
The shirt contest is run in partnership with Chris Wachowiak and Ronin Branding.
New parade balloons
The Stroll on State holiday parade steps off at 2 p.m. from South Main Street and Chestnut Street and travels north to State Street then east across the State Street Bridge, ending at Third Street.
This year there will be a total of 10 giant balloons, including a new roughly 20-foot balloon designed specifically for the parade. Hard Rock Casino Rockford is sponsoring nine balloons and Mercyhealth is sponsoring a parade.
Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, said when Hard Rock came to town four years ago and participated in Stroll, he wanted to find a way to make all the balloons uniquely Rockford.
“So we came up with an idea of a long-term commitment by the Hard Rock, and every year we’ll change out a balloon or two,” Iafrate said. “Eventually the entire balloon portion of the parade will be specifically and uniquely Rockford.”
So far those balloons have included a massive sock monkey and Rockford Peaches tribute. This year, it will be a “holiday screw,” Iafrate said, an homage to the Rockford’s Screw City nickname. The actual design will be unveiled at the parade.
‘The Ice Guru’ returns
Randy Finch, an artist and ice carver from Grand Rapids, Michigan, will return to Stroll after a couple years of hiatus from the event.
Finch is recognized from the Food Network show “Ice Masters,” where he and his team develop ice designs.
Finch will work at Eddie Green Place, 331 E. State St.
New Dasher Dash shirts, finisher medal
The Dasher Dash 5K run is the annual energetic kickoff to the holiday festival. Racers often dress in holiday costumes as part of a competition during the race.
This year has a new ugly-sweater style race shirt and a new finisher medal that is modeled after a snow globe complete with a spinning snowflake inside.
“There’s nobody else in the racing community giving away shirts like this,” said Tim Goodwin, race director.
The Illinois Lottery will also be on hand giving a free scratch off instant ticket to each person who donates a new unwrapped toy to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford.
The lottery will also match the total number of toys donated during the drive.
The run starts and finishes near Beattie Park, 100 Park Avenue. Register by Nov. 7 to guarantee your shirt. Go HERE to register.
Two North Poles
Defying the laws of geography, there will be two North Poles in downtown Rockford on Nov. 30.
Festive huts adorned with holiday-themed backdrops will be at North Second and East State streets on the east side of the river and near Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., on the west side of the river.
At those sites, kids can meet with Santa for photos and to make their holiday wishes.
The North Pole village will also include a Snow Globe photo station, Igloo photo station and faux snow flying from Comfort First Insualtion.
Window shows and street performances
Rockford Dance Co. will have its dancers creating whimsical micro-performances in the windows at 324 East State St. and along the street.
These holiday-themed performances are designed to bring the enchantment of a music box to life with a choreographed blend of music and movement.
Musical lineup
Live music will be featured on two stages during Stroll on State, with Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts headlining the evening.
Here’s a look at the lineup:
Silver Bell Stage
(Behind Jimmy John’s on East State Street)
3 p.m. – Groove Hotel
3:50 p.m. – Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames
4:55 p.m.– Swingbilly RFD
6:45 p.m. – Rollin’ Whiskey
7:50 p.m. – Henhouse Prowlers
Main Stage
(Near the BMO Center)
3 p.m. – Grupo Lokeron
3:50 p.m. – The Peppermint Patties
4:55 p.m. – City First Band
6 p.m. – tree lighting and drone show
6:45 p.m. – Josh Caterer Trio
7:50 p.m. Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
Learn more
For more info on this year’s Stroll on State, from parking to volunteering and other activities, go to StrollonState.com.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas