Enjoy Rockin’ River Fest in Oregon June 15

Enjoy Rockin’ River Fest in Oregon June 15

By Peggy Werner

Whether 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 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, 10- mile bike ride, and 5 miles of paddling. Dickson says event attendance doubled last year and is expected to increase that

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’

Station” food court. Festival visitors can also explore local galleries and museums free of charge and stop in at stores and other businesses offering specials throughout the day.

Another highlight of the festival is the Cruisin’ and Chillin’ classic car show from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jay’s Drive-In, 107 W. Washington St. People can bring classic cars to show and look at the cars on display for free.

Dickson recalls that this festival took place one year in the late 1980s, when a group of volunteers got together to discuss an outdoor summer event

that would focus on family fun for all ages. Although successful, there was not enough manpower or funding to keep it going at the time. A couple of years ago, the Oregon Chamber identified the need to have an event to kick off the summer tourism season.

Dickson has lived in Oregon for 40 years and worked six years as the executive director of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce before retiring.

“I love Oregon,” she says. “It’s quiet, friendly, is surrounded by natural beauty and has a hometown feeling. For the nature enthusiast, it’s a scenic crossroads with lots of opportunities for fishing, hiking, running, biking and so much more.”

The town is surrounded by parks, including Lowden State Park, home to Lorado Taft’s 50-foot Eternal Indian statue (commonly called Black Hawk).

Lowden-Miller State Park is nestled in the Rock River Valley just three miles south of Oregon. The 2,291-acre wooded area has 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles of forested riverfront.

Castle Rock State Park is on the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County and is known for its rolling topography, rock formations, ravines and unique northern plants.

White Pines State Park is a popular family destination with open areas for hiking, camping, picnicking and modern lodging facilities.

All money raised at the festival will go back into the festival fund to plan next year’s event. Once a solid financial base is established to ensure sustainability, some of the profits will be split between the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and Oregon Together, a volunteer organization devoted to Oregon’s arts, culture, beautification and riverfront development.

The festival entrance fee is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 13-17 and free for children under 12. Anyone wanting to participate as a vendor, volunteer or competitor can sign up anytime online. ❚