Music, Miracle Mile and Memorial Day events: Rockford area things to do this weekend
ROCKFORD — The Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kickoff to summer. There are a variety of family friendly indoor and outdoor activities in the area this weekend, including some special events to honor the men and women in this country who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
America's Table Tennis Team Championship
What: The 17th Annual America's Table Tennis Team Tournament features over 200 players from 18 states and 23 countries competing for more than $10,000 in cash prizes.
When: Friday 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Division One Semi-finals at 12 p.m. and Finals at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: UW Health Sports Factory, 305 S. Madison St., Rockford
For more: Contact Tournament Event Manager Ed Hogshead, ehogshead@landmarkbilling.com
Cruise & Car Show presented by Miracle Mile Rockford
What: Dust off your cool ride and start polishing! Cruise to the Miracle Mile for a premier car show, with trophies awarded to the Top 60, Best of Show and many other Best of categories.
When: Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rockford Speedway, 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park and Miracle Mile, 4007 E. State St., Rockford
For more: miraclemilerockford.com
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Blues in the Schools in the Park
What: Crossroads Blues Society presents four different performers for an outdoor concert.
When: Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Performers scheduled to appear include Carl Cole at 12 p.m., Dave Fields & his band at 1:30 p.m., Joe Filisko’s harmonica workshop at 3:30 p.m. and Tas Cru and his band at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Lyran Park, 4781 South Bend Road, Rockford
Cost: Free for persons 18 and under Age 18. All others $10 in advance, $15 at gate
For more: crossroadsbluessociety.com
Saturday Fun on the Farm
What: Bring the family out to the country to find fun at Rockford Park District's Lockwood Park. Activities include wagon rides through the park’s scenic meadows and woods and free Children's Farm Barn visits.
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 29
Where: Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Center & Children’s Farm, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford.
For more: lockwoodpark.com/rides
Memorial Day Parade
What: A Rockford tradition since 1870, the Memorial Day Parade honors the country’s fallen soldiers and features area veterans organizations, school bands, police and fire departments and organizations that support area veterans.
When: Monday 9 a.m.
Where: The parade will line up near the intersection of 7th St. and 6th Ave. The parade will proceed north on 7th St. to Charles St., Charles St. to State St. units will then travel west on State St. and turn north on Wyman St. and then proceed north to Beattie Park where the parade will end. Unit review and commentary will be at the Armistice Peace Memorial on the east side of Veterans Memorial Hall.
For more: allevents.in/rockford/memorial-day
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Veterans Memorial Hall Memorial Day program
What: Area dignitaries will gather on North Wyman Street between Mulberry Street and Jefferson Street for the Veterans Memorial Hall Memorial Day program. This year’s program will include comments from Rear Admiral (retired) Nathan E. Jones, State Sen. Steve Stadelman and Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli, followed by a Memorial Day Rose ceremony and the playing of Taps.
When: Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day parade in downtown Rockford, about 10 a.m. Monday
For more: Visit the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum's Facebook page.
Sinking of the Ship Ceremony
What: Rockford's Navy Club Ship #1 Sinking of the Ship Ceremony will include a reading General John Logan’s general order establishing Decoration Day, a wreath presentation and a 21-gun salute by the Rockford Detachment Marine Corps League.
Where: On the banks of the Rock River behind the Luther Center at State and Wyman streets. Memorial Day events will also take place at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St.
When: Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day program at Veterans Memorial Hall, about 11 a.m. Monday
For more: Visit the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum's Facebook page.
Memorial Day at LZ Peace Memorial
What: The ceremony honors the American men and women who have died serving their country. The guest speaker is Capt. Jason Church, U.S. Army, who lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan.
When: Monday 11 a.m.
Where: LZ Peace Memorial at Midway Village & Museum Center, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford
Cost: Free
For more: lzpeace.org
Rockford Rivets Baseball
What: The Rockford Rivets collegiate summer baseball team is part of the Northwoods League, featuring some of the top college players from North America and beyond.
When: Monday 6:05 p.m. versus Kokomo
Where: Rockford Rivets Stadium 4305 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park
Cost: Single game tickets $12
For more: northwoodsleague.com
Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Things to do in the Rockford area Memorial Day weekend
