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Enjoy Rockin’ River Fest in Oregon June 15 By Peggy Werner hether you’re celebrating Father’s Day or every day, let nature embrace you with all its beauty at the third annual Rockin’ River Fest on Saturday, June 15, in Oregon, Ill. Surrounded by four state parks and more than one dozen city parks, and with the Rock River running through town, Oregon is aiming to showcase its natural beauty with games, competitions, entertainment, food and a beer garden. The event celebrates everything local, is run entirely by volunteers and will take place along the Rock River, with the heart of the festival on North Second Street, says Debbie Dickson, marketing and sponsorship chairperson and festival executive team member. Events will take place in Kiwanis Park, on Oregon Fire Department property, and in parts of Lowden State Park to the north and
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Smart Living Weekly
Castle Rock State Park to the south. The festival’s mission is to promote tourism and economic development by showcasing Oregon’s strengths and its business resources. “Grassroots leadership supported by dozens of volunteer hours has revived Oregon,” says Dickson. “We strive to honor our history, showcase our natural beauty, and adapt with the times and trends to create a sustainable future.” Highlights of the festival include the popular Rock River Adventure Tri at 8:30 a.m., beginning in Oregon Park East on North River Road. The run-bike-paddle event takes competitors along flowing rivers, sandstone bluffs, towering pines and off-road trails for a 3-mile run, 10mile bike ride, and 5 miles of paddling. Dickson says event attendance doubled last year and is expected to increase that
June 5
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much this year. Those interested need to register online at rockinriverfest.net. The Games Spot has been expanded this year to include more inflatables, interactive games and activities for children of all ages, with a prize store. “Tug Across the Rock” will see teams battle for a win at Kiwanis Park Riverfront and across the river at Oregon Park East. Musical entertainment includes Falling Objects, a six-piece Chicago band playing rock ‘n’ roll hits spanning the decades from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Hillbilly Rockstarz, also from Chicago, playing the latest in country hits as well as country classics from 8 to 11 p.m. Food choices will include grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, brats, hot dogs, ribs, pulled pork and Mexican food tent items at the “Amazin’ Grazin’
