Midway Village Museum Gears Up for Spring

Midway Village Museum Gears Up for Spring

By Toni Rocha

One sure sign that spring is on its way? Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, is launching its annual series of fun, educational spring events in March.

This year’s season begins with a communitywide favorite: the 15 th Annual Sock Monkey Festival, returning as an exclusive one-day attraction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, with a theme of “Around the World.”

Guests are invited to “travel” around the globe and experience various cultures, crafts and customs. Passports are stamped as families move from exhibit to exhibit.

Lonna Converso, the museum’s director of marketing and social media, says festivalgoers can expect several new experiences designed to delight a wider age bracket.

“This year, we’ve added a new pre-kindergarten sock monkey experience for children ages 5 and under,” she says.

The children, along with their parents, can make a “Mini-Monkey Buddy” sock monkey doll, under guided supervision, for $10. The traditional sock monkey doll is $20 and includes all supplies and guided instruction. The activity takes up to two hours.

“This year, we introduce Midway Village’s new mascot, Babs, who will be available for photo ops and interaction with the children,” Converso adds.

Advance tickets are available by calling (815) 397-9112 or visiting midwayvillage.com. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 17. Museum members are free.

Another long-time spring favorite at Midway Village Museum is the annual Egg Artistry Show and Sale. Hosted by the museum, the event presents fabulous egg creations from around the world, crafted by renowned artists. Not only are the eggs themselves for sale, but visitors can purchase supplies to make their own. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 3 to 17; museum members are free.

As spring draws even closer, the 7 th Annual “The Great War” weekend military encampment returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7, bringing more than 220 re-enactors portraying soldiers and civilians from America and Europe.

The attractions include World War I replica tanks, a 150-yard reproduction trench system and full-scale battle re-enactments, among hundreds of other relics and displays.

“We educate the public about World War I because it has such close connections to our community,” Converso says. “Mainly, Camp Grant here in Rockford was where thousands of soldiers and medics came to train. This was a big part of our history and Rockford played a major role in this huge global event.”

In addition, during “The Great War” event, the Midway Village Museum Traveling Bijou Theater will feature silent films by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, along with “The Great War” special event footage by Jorg Rochlitzer.

The Midway Village Museum campus includes historical and iconic buildings, extensive exhibits and a gift shop. Nearly 50 annual events draw thousands of visitors to have fun while learning about the history of our city.

Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 17, excluding film showings.

For more information about these and other events, visit midwayvillage. com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚

The 7th Annual “The Great War” event will take place at Midway Village Museum on April 6 & 7.