Rockford Day is almost here. There are 12 events and more than 60 local deals
Are you ready for Rockford Day?
Rockford Day is celebration of all things Rockford and takes place each year on Aug. 15, also known as 815 Day, which is a nod to the region's popular 815 area code.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara will kick off the day at 8:15 a.m. at Rivera's Fresh Market, 3600 E State St.
Along with community events to celebrate and recognize the day, dozens of local businesses and organizations will be running specials.
So get ready to plan out your day.
Here are eight things to do, one challenge and five sales you won't want to miss.
1. Art is power
The Rockford Area Arts Council is inviting the community to check out public art. They'll have maps to area murals and utility box wraps available at the council's office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 713 E. State St.
More: Rockford announces plans for 815 Day celebration. What you need to know
2. History and snow cones
Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free of charge. Guests can visit the main museum and Victorian Village free of charge. Snow cones will be available for a small cost.
3. Downtown picnic
The River District Association will host a downtown picnic party with food trucks, live music, ice cream, games and activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Street from State to Market.
4. Fun family financial advice
Midland States Bank will host a family fun booth near the Rockford Park District Building at the corner of Davis Park. The booth will offer face painting, balloons, photo ops, a gift basket raffle and some financial empowerment.
5. Lunch on The Mile
Stop by the old Magna lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3915 E. State St. for lunch from Blaz'in Magic BBQ and dessert from Quixotic Bakery. There may even be another truck or two and a couple other surprises. Tents will be set up with tables and chairs to eat in the shade.
6. Coffee and cookies with the Chamber
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its first 815 Day in its new office, 308 W. State St., Suite 350, with cookies and coffee as well as an artwork unveiling featuring local artists Jenny Matthews, Tom McHale, and Brad Nordlof.
7. 815 Day on the dock
Head to Prairie Street Brewing Co., 220 Prairie St., from 4 to 9 p.m. to enjoy an evening along the Rock River with food, games and live music. The Dockside Taproom will be open at 4 p.m. for beverages. At 5 p.m., food trucks (The Taco Shop 815, Little Nick's BBQ, Cheezy's Grilled Cheeses, The Dessert Shop 815) will start serving, and at 6 p.m., DJ Slick will turn on the tunes. Each food truck will have an 815 Day special.
8. Food Truck Tuesday, 815-style
The Rockford Park District will celebrate Rockford Day from 4 to 9 p.m. with a special evening of Food Truck Tuesday at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St. The typical tasty treats will be available along with games and family activities.
The Kindness Challenge
Brighten someone's day anytime between 8:15 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. Tuesday by participating in the 815 Rockford Day Kindness Project. You can find ideas on a Kindness Board posted all around the city or come up with your own. After you have completed your Kindness Project, post it on your social media with #BeKind815, and your post may be featured on the Rockford Day Facebook page. For more information about 815 Acts of Kindness, visit Rockford Day Kindness Project on Facebook.
Here are just a few deals you won't want to miss this Rockford Day.
Mrs. Fisher's Hot Bag Sale
Mrs. Fisher's Potato Chips will host a special 815 Day Hot Bag Sale. 1 pound bag of classic salted chips right out of the fryer for $4 a bag. No limit. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rockford trivia and more
Ernie's Midtown Pub will be blocking off the parking lot and putting tables and seating out to dine under the Rockford mural. Ernie's also will be hosting Rockford themed trivia at 7 p.m. and offering 815 food and drink specials.
Show savings
The BMO Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center will offer $10 off tickets to select shows purchased online on Aug. 15. Only select seats. Tickets must be purchased from 6 a,m, to 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15.
Burger specials
Several local bars and restaurants will be running 815 Day specials. CJ's Public House will offer 2 Public House Burgers for $8.15. Baker Street Burgers will donate 8.15% of total revenues from the day to Rock House Kids. Screw City Tavern will have their Screw City Burger with fries on sale for $8.15. Mr. C's Family Restaurant will be selling 1 lb All-American Burgers for $8.15. Scanlan's will offer a special on double cheeseburger, fries and any domestic bottle for $8.15.
Live print day
Rockford Art Deli will be having a live print day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15. during the downtown picnic party. Print day will feature an exclusive 2023 815 Day print. Bring your own blank T-shirt and get it printed for $8.15 or buy a shirt from RAD for $18.15.
For a full list of 815 Day events and specials, visit gorockford.com/rockford-day
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Ready for Rockford Day? Here's a quick guide to events and deals
