A decade of memories: Stroll on State returns to downtown Rockford

ROCKFORD — What is billed as the official kickoff to the region’s holiday season is celebrating a milestone this year.

The 10th annual Stroll on State will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 and is expected to draw tens of thousands of people to the streets of downtown Rockford.

“We know that this is an event that the community loves because the community supports it,” Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO John Groh said during a news conference Wednesday. “And we continue to believe that what is good for a resident will attract even more visitors and that’s central to our mission.”

Familiar attractions are planned including a massive parade to launch the event, horse and wagon rides, ice skating, fireworks and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.

“We’re all one Rockford community,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. “And we get to celebrate (with) each other and be with one another and just really enjoy that experience.”

More:Stroll on State was back this year to ring in the holiday season in downtown Rockford

Here are 10 things to know for Stroll on State’s 10th year:

Up, up and away in my inflatable balloon

Stroll on State’s holiday parade will feature eight holiday-themed and two Rockford-themed balloons. The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. at S. Main and Chestnut streets and will move north to State Street and east across the bridge, ending at 3rd Street.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you’re in a new location

The lighting of the city Christmas tree will take place at 6 p.m. at Main and Elm streets. In 2021, Stroll on State had three Christmas tree lightings at separate locations and times. In prior years, the city Christmas tree was located at West State and Wyman streets.

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus

Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick will be roaming throughout the festival grounds this year as he did in 2021. In previous years, Santa was stationed in one location, resulting in long lines and lengthy wait times for impatient children and their parents.

Sky rockets in flight

Fireworks will be launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge at 8:30 p.m. Stroll on State attendees will be able to see the colorful display from most anywhere in the festival as long as they can see the Jefferson Street Bridge.

Party all the time

The 500 block of East State Street, otherwise known as Block 5, will host a party during Stroll on State. The festivities will include fire pits, a disc jockey and dining at Block 5 restaurants.

She’s real fine my 409

Car buffs will love the combination of classic and vintage cars dressed up for the holidays in the parking lot behind CJs Bar & Grill, 115 N. Madison St. Prizes will be awarded for best in class and best decorated vehicles. The display is hosted by Cars & Coffee Rockford.

Running in a Winter Wonderland

The holiday-themed Dasher Dash 5k run/walk starts and finishes near Beattie Park. The course will take participants through the decorated streets of downtown. The event begins at noon. Registration ends Nov. 24.

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues

A character dance party for kids called Blitzen’s Ball will take place inside the four-story glass tower at Iconic Energy. The party will continue throughout the afternoon and evening. Parents and kids are invited to stop by and create some holiday memories.

Skating away on the thin ice of a new day

Lace up some skates and glide on the surface of the BMO Center, home of the Rockford IceHogs. The skating is sponsored by the IceHogs and the Rockford Park District.

We’ve been through the downtown on a horse with no name

Horse & Wagon rides will be available again this year. There will be one continuous loop on the west side of the Rock River with pickup and drop off locations near Elm and Wyman streets.

The RACVB encourages people who are planning to attend Stroll on State take advantage of shuttle bus options, which will run from the YMCA, 200 Y Blvd., Forest City Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, and Crusader Community Health, 1200 W. State St.

Stroll on State is a free event organized and presented by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with support from many organizations, businesses and individual volunteers.

Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: A decade of memories: Stroll on State returns to downtown Rockford