2019 Stroll on State Expands, Set for Nov. 30

2019 Stroll on State Expands, Set for Nov. 30

The 7 th annual Stroll on State is expanding this year. More than 87,000 people filled the streets of downtown Rockford last year to welcome the season together and experience a true sense of community.

“The magic of the season shines through our downtown during Stroll and brings people together in a variety of ways,” says Tana Vettore, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s director of destination development.

This year’s event will kick off on Nov. 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, from 2 to 9 p.m., featuring a parade with floats, horse & wagon rides, fireworks, visits with Santa, a very special tree lighting and much more.

The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from South Main at Chestnut Street and stroll north to State Street, heading east across the bridge and ending at 3rd Street. It’ll feature eight large-scale balloons, including Buddy the Dinosaur and Butterscotch the Elf, as well as festive floats, live music, DJs and a few extra surprises.

In Strollville, children will play inside life-sized elf houses this year. There’ll be plenty to see, touch and take photos with, including a larger-than-life Elf parade balloon. Strollville also is the location of Rudolph’s Reindeer Village. This interactive activity will be located just east of the BMO Harris Bank Center and a block south of the city Christmas tree.

Also new is a reimagined tree lighting experience. To accommodate growing crowds, the Main Stage will move to the southwest corner of Wyman and State streets. Guests will sing together and count down to the official tree lighting. Watch for Santa as he appears during the music production beginning at 5:45 p.m. The tree lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Sky Lights Fireworks will launch from Davis Park immediately after the tree lighting.

The new Sleigh Bell stage will join the Silver Bell and Jingle Bell stages in order to accommodate the many talented performers of our region. It will be in front of Chase Bank on East State Street.

Catch the synchronized River Lights show under the Jefferson Street Bridge this year.

Longtime Stroll on Street favorites also are returning. Randy Finch and the Ice Brigades will be back to show off their ice sculpture creations.

Fire and Ice will amaze crowds, as blocks of ice dissolve into amazing bonfires that create stunning displays. Check this out at the corner of East State Street and North Second Street and at Veterans Memorial Hall.

Horse and wagon rides will be set up at two locations, at the corner of Elm and South Main Streets across from the BMO Harris Bank Center and across from Indoor City Market on Madison Street.

New and returning outdoor food, beverage and gift vendors will be at two locations: Rockford City Market Pavilion and the parking lot at West State and Wyman streets. Locally owned businesses will have plenty of holiday specials and fun activities available during Small Business Saturday, which coincides with Stroll on State.

Mayor Tom McNamara says this annual event is another powerful example of the welcoming nature of Rockford.

“Stroll illustrates the diverse and progressive spirit of our city, providing a unique opportunity for visitors and residents alike to join together in celebration,” he says.

Volunteers are needed before, during and after Stroll on State. Visit gorockford.com to learn more. ❚