Oregon, Illinois may be a small town, but we celebrate Autumn on Parade in a BIG way! Our 2023 festival promises a variety of fun-filled family friendly activity for all ages!
Since its creation in 1970, the heart of this event has been our Market.
Stroll around Courthouse Square and check out this unique shopping opportunity showcasing handmade, homemade, and homegrown items. You’ll find everything from home décor, children’s clothing, jewelry, home baked goods, local honey, produce, artisan products and more.
Our Fun Zone, featuring bubble shows, costumed characters, a petting zoo, bouncy attractions, crafts and games will keep the young ones occupied... and mom and dad happy because this is also a FREE Zone! Treats will be available for purchase, and a “shopping experience” geared toward the little ones will offer affordable spending.
Local not for-profit organizations fill our expanded Food Court and serve up a variety of options to please any palette. Staffed by cheery volunteers, these hardworking folks offer Polish &
Italian sausages, grilled pork chop and ribeye sandwiches, kettle corn, hotdogs, brisket and brats, pulled pork, roasted corn, Mexican specialties ... the list goes on! Funds raised by the efforts of these groups are put back into community projects and service to those in need. A win-win for all!
The Auto Classic and Antique Tractor Shows are held on Saturday at Park East just across the Rock River.
Featuring a crazy cool collection of cars and impressive farming vehicles, there is no charge to attend this walk back in time! A free shuttle service is available from the center of town that
day to pick you up and bring you back. Vintage Goose Airstream Café and BING’S Drive In will be on site offering up specialty coffees, beverages, and food reminiscent of the era. Be sure to catch the Tractor Parade through town at 4:00 p.m.
Chana School, a completely restored two room schoolhouse, will be open for touring at Park East on Saturday only. This labor of love took thousands of volunteer hours and a lot of donated dollars to bring its historical story back to life.
parade.com.
For more information
Always a crowd pleaser, our Harvest Time Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. sharp on Sunday. Filled with marching bands, novelty entertainment, youth groups, and floats, as well as a few new surprises, be sure to grab your food court goodies and find your spot!
Whether you need to get to work, the grocery store, a doctor appointment, or another location in Lee or Ogle Counties, we’ll help you get there!
Looking for a little adult down time? Check out our HotSpot. Music starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 8p.m.
In accordance with IL State Law and for the safety of all, this is a fenced area for 21 and older. There is a $5/person entry fee. An ID is required. Limited seating, so feel welcome to bring a folding chair!
Fitness and outdoor enthusiasts love our 5K and Fun Run options held early Sunday morning. Check out registration details online at autumnon-
We love our town. As we celebrate our 52nd annual eventorganized entirely by a small group of dedicated volunteers since the start- we want it known that Autumn on Parade comes to life because of the community spirit and pride among Oregonites. Volunteer efforts of family and friends, neighbors and newbies, and the financial and “in kind” support so generously given by local businesses, our City and County officials and governing bodies, and our phenomenal park district are the backbone of AOP. Be sure to show your support by purchasing tickets for our 60/40 raffle and…
Unleash your “Spooktacular Spirit” in Oregon on October 7th and 8th!
The 52” Annual AOP Harvest Time Parade, themed “Spooktacular Spirit” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8, starting at 1 p.m.!
The parade will fea ture entertainment by Jesse White Tumblers and Crystal Lake Drum Strikers, as well as local marching bands, scouts, unique acts, local businesses and so much more.
This year we will have a new and improved parade route winding
through downtown Oregon!
The Harvest Time Parade will reverse its route, now starting at Adams and 10th Streets. It will then head east on Adams, turn north on 4th Street, and west on Washington Street before returning to Hawk Drive via 10th Street. We look forward to seeing spectators of all ages fill the streets!
Thank you to E.D. Etnyre, Autumn on Parade’s 2023 Presenting Sponsor! This year’s Harvest Time Parade will follow a new route through downtown Oregon.
The smell of funnel cakes and kettle corn wafts through the air as you approach the Autumn on Parade food court. No festival is complete without a food court!!
Elotes, cider donuts, BBQ… Your mouth starts to water as you see all the delicious options, from classic comfort food to more unique festival fare.
We’ve got something for everyone, so you’re sure to find a snack or two to satisfy your cravings.
Sample a variety of dishes from many different vendors (some new, many returning!), and indulge in some delicious treats at the AOP food court!
Dollars generated by Autumn on Parade vendor fees and commissions paid are used to cover a wide range of costs such as insurance, garbage disposal, a variety of strolling and parade entertainment, Big Johns, electrical needs, and safety measures- just to name a few!
Local not-for-profit organizations, as well as a few small local businesses, offer up everything from pork chop sandwiches, Mexican cuisine, and stuffed baked potatoes, to hotdogs, brats, burgers, kettle corn, and more!
We are proud to partner with these hardworking groups whose goal is to raise money and give back to the community at large, creating a win-win for all!
What snacks will you be on the hunt for this year?
Supporting Sponsor $250
Bear Moon Soap
Bundles and Brand LLC
Casey’s General Store, Inc.
Central Bank
Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home
Father & Son Pizza
Hagemann Horticulture
Hawk Auto Wash & Storage LLC
Hunt Club
KJH Ventures
M.Mongan Décor
Autumn on Parade Market began 52 years ago with seven exhibitors on the historic Ogle County Courthouse lawn, and has grown to over 180 booths!
We are proud our market hosts only handmade, homegrown, and homemade items. Join us for blacksmith demonstrations, caricatures, permanent jewelry, and artist demonstrations.
Longtime favorites will be here too – woodworkers, potters, quilters, sign makers, painters, flowers, candles, and so many more.
Find yummy snacks along the way, like roasted nuts, popcorn, cookies, licorice, and candies. New and returning exhibitors await you Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.and Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Shop our festival merch at autumnonparade.com & show it off at the market- we’ve even got totes available to carry your new goodies!
Sponsor $6,500
E.D. Etnyre & Company
HotSpot Entertainment $5,000
Martin & Company Excavating
Fun Zone Sponsor $2,500
Circle G Farms
Stillman Bank
Entertainment Sponsor $2,000
City of Oregon
Premium Sponsor $1,250
Johnson Oil Company
McDonald’s
The Harvard State Bank
Tractor Show Sponsor $1,000
Steve Benesh & Sons
WOODS Equipment Company
FestivalSponsor $500
Graphic Arts Express
Franklin Street Pub
F.N. Smith Corporation
Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers
RE/MAX of Rock Valley
Tipsy Hog
Oregon Healthcare Pharmacy Services
RE/MAX
RiversEdge Experience
Rock River Title LLC
Scott Stephens State Farm
Smith, Birkholz & Morrow, P.C.
5KSponsors
Gold: Constellation
Silver: KUNES Auto of Oregon
InKind Donations
Americold, Fischers Inc., Game Day Apparel, Hagemann Horticulture, Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers, Ore-
Chamber
Commerce, ShawMe-
InKind Support Services
A.R.E.S., City of Oregon, County of Ogle, Jim Massey/Massey Electric, LRS, Oregon Fire Protection District, Oregon Police Department, Oregon School District, Oregon Street Department, Oregon Park District, KUNES Country of Oregon.
Our AOP Committee is excited to announce the Maggie & Amos Foundation will be managing the festival’s 2023 5K!
This is the perfect partnership: Autumn on Parade promotes local support and community growth.
Maggie, a teacher at the Chana Education Center, dedicated much of her time contributing to community service and was raising her son Amos to also live a life of service to others.
Both passed tragically, unexpectedly, and far too soon. The Maggie & Amos Foundation is determined to continue their legacy of giving back to the community, especially in regard to supporting programs for children.
A portion of the proceeds from the Autumn on Parade 5K & Fun Run will boost the Maggie & Amos scholarship fund, and provide grants for local libraries and teachers to support learning and education for the youth in our community.
Race registration is LIVE! Visit autumnonparade.com to claim your bib and race shirt!
The Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K at approximately 8:15 a.m. at Oregon Park West.
AOP is excited to name the Fun Run Shirt Design Contest winner - Congratulations to Brian Wallace! Your design perfectly paired our 2023 Spectacular Spirit theme with the Fun Run.
Thanks to the Maggie & Amos Foundation for heading up this fun contest in May among local studentswe continue to keep our community engaged and can’t wait to see you all wearing Brian’s design.
Sign up for the 5K &/or Fun Run through the link on our website: autumnonparade.com
1 Berg's Crafty Creations gifts, refurbished frames, windows, etc
2 VA Commission, Ogle Co brochures, vets & family info, crafts
3 Hmong Tapestry Needleworks wall hangings, purses, bags, etc
4 The SO Studio handmade pottery, fabric collage
5 Forever by M + D permanent jewelry
6 CraftHouse101 signs, resin drink coasters, basket weaver
7 Get Felted Up upcycled fabrics-sweaters, skirts, mittens, gloves
8 American Glass Craft hand blown glass
9 Albrecht, Rene wreaths, silk florals, wood slab signs
10 Papa's Acrylic Pour Art acrylic pour paintings
11 Dip'n Good Dips dips, seasoning mixes & cooler bowls
12-13 Swartz, Geri bowl cozzies, bibs, backpack, tiki torches
14 Country Gems hand-crafted jewelry
15 Russell-Brown, Dana hand-crafted jewelry
16 Generations Creations shirts, signs, jewelry & home dec or
17 Twine & Grace clothing & accessories for mama's & littles
18 Diggity Dawg Bakery all-natural dog treats, & pet items
19 Waldrop Co jewelry, bags, household & holiday items
20 JK Crafts crochet blankets, pillows, seasonal, animals.
21 Wildflower Oregon hawks appearel, mommy & me, t-shirts
22 West Coast Body Co body products & handcrafted jewelry
23 Borneman, Linda cookies, snacks, breads, dried arrangements
24-25 Otter Creek Crafts Barnwood birdhouse, wooden pumpkin
26-27 Davis, Timothy puzzles, games,toys, furniture
28 Box O Shadows candles, soaps, spras, salves, jewelry
29 Grinner Fur Co. fur hats, gloves, mittens, scarves. trinkets
30 Misfitmanda's Mobile Market upcycled & handmade crafts
31 HomeSpun Goodz vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste
32 MizBee Haven local honey
33 Pewter Dragonfly bath & body: soap, bath bombs, hair care
34 Chana United Methodist Church baked goods
35 The Hooker's Knot crocheted items: keychains, hats, scarves
36 Hygge Aroma soywax candles, macrame items, barnquilt signs
37 Alost Creations tumblers, shirts, hoodies, 3D prints, boards
38 Cornerstone Embroidery embroidered hats, tees, sweatshirts,
39 Imagining Irene polymer clay jewelry and wood home decor
40 P&T Jewelry handstamped onsite rings, bracelets, necklaces
41 Salty Provisions salts & seasionings w/ Norwegian sea salt
42 Chiseled Purpose Woodworking wooden rustic flags, shotskis
44 Laconic Foods olive oil, rare greek honey, olives, greek herbs
45 Barbs Country Stained Glass stained glass, fused glass panels
46-47 Berkshire & Way graphic tees, tumblers, laser jewelry, hats
48 Wild Style Design Co facepainting, glitter tattoos, henna
49 Painted by Chloe small paintings, prints, hand painted cards
50 Wild Prairie Creations wood burnt cutting/charcutierie boards
51 I Dig Coffee fresh roasted whole bean coffee
52 Sue's Stuff expertly sewn items
53-54 Bobbi's Country Catering breads, candy, cookies, pies
55 Boneafied Honey honey, honeycomb, infused honey
56 WiscoWare pottery
57-58 Ewe and Me Acres pies, cookies, breads, jams, chicken
59 HardKnots Woodworking wood turned bowls, platters, boxes
60 Ellis, Kim wire wrapped pendants, earrings, tumbled stones
61-62 T.A.P. Creations deco mesh wreaths fuzzy snowmen, etc.
63 Brink, Diane 18" doll clothes, painted rocks & bricks, plants
64 Old Red Barn broomcorn, squash, succulents, wreaths , crafts
65 Houghs Maple Lane Farm pure maple syrup/maple products
66 Simply Made kids sewn / crocheted items, dinosaurs, blankets
67 Pink Forest Boutique farmhouse style wood signs, décor
68 Capes, Pamela Pallet wood pumpkins, scarecrows, witches
69-70 Shater, Kyle oak furniture, decor
71 To Dye For tie dye clothing and other artistic materia ls
72 Pink Forest Boutique farmhouse style wood signs/decor
73-74 Sanders, Wilma dish towels, doll clothes, yard wood items
75-76 Wessels, Lynn indoor/outdoor wood shapes & signs
77-78 Addy & Co. baked goods, novelty shirts & gifts
79 Softouch Woodworks PO Box banks, wood box, barrettes
80 Sweet Magnolia Candles soy wax candles, melts, glass & lids.
81 Go Nuts cinnamon nuts
82 Sunset Hill LC laser crafts, ornaments, jewelry, etc.
83 HolmMade handmade jewelry, garden art, upcycled materials
84 Black Cat Candle dessert candles, regular candles, wax melts
85-86 Pine Creek Forge blacksmith products and demos
87 M & A Acres honey, beeswax candles, turned wood items.
89 Simple Life Designs handmade clay, resin,& metal jewelry
90 Mosey's Macrame macrame plant hangers,wall
91 Aspire Elite Art wood acrylic art pieces & 92 Nich Sticks plants, walking sticks, hilarious
93 All in the Family Crafts felt magnets,
96-97 Phase 3 Crafts wood decor, tumbles,
98 Lynx Custom Furniture cutting boards,
100-101 The Wooden Roost farmhouse style
102 Cindy's Crocheted Creations crocheted
103 Uniquely Yours bracelets,
104 Brea's Custom Creations tumblers,
106 Bender Barnwood repurposed wood: decor,
107-108 Mydeye pet related shirts, signs,
109 Five Dogs and Fruit Trees balms, goats
110 Midwest Mixes olive oil bread dips, BBQ
111 The Licorice Guy
112 Goldstick, Mindy egg art, sweatshirts, tshirts,
hangers,wall hanging & handmade jewelry
hilarious coffee mugs
magnets, crochet, gnomes
tumbles, decor, wreaths boards, river tables, flags style furnishings/decor
rocheted hats, scarves, racelets, necklaces, crystals
tumblers, tees and more decor, boxes, ladders signs, towels, ornaments
milk soap, tinctures
BBQ rubs, veggie dips
gourmet licorice
tshirts, kitchen, towels
113 J & S Crafts solid surface cutting boards, woodburned signs
114 Seebach's Pumpkins pumpkins, gourds, straw, & Indian corn
116-117 Happily Handmade pottery, woodworking, crochet , etc
118 Triple T Clothes
119 Emmanuel Lutheran Church Bittersweet, baby blankets
120-121 Grill + Garden metal yard art, weathervanes, other art
122 Blue Lace Designs crochet stuffed animals, handmade rings
123 Dave's Corner/Halgren Creations handcrafted wooden games
124 Made On Market crocheted items and wood crafts
125 Three Angles Family Farm lavender products, lavender heati
127 Bark About It animal toys, treats, grooming, chews
128-129 Mitts n More fleece blankets & mittens, wool mittens.
130-131 Huels, Mary wreaths, barn wood items, whiskey staves
132-133 Weathered &
136 Photography by Debbi photography prints & gifts
137 The Whimsical Bumblebee jewelry, bookmarks, suncatchers
138 Whats New Halloween, Christmas, lawn art, wind chimes
139-140 Hermes Popcorn assorted flavors of artisan popcorn
143 Julie Kennelly ART oil/acyrlic paintings, acyrlic pours
144 Jen's Sunshine Farm fabric coil bowls
145 GC Lavender by Gallery's Choice lavender and glass art
146-147 Vicktoria Nicole lavender wraps, vintage repurposed
148-149 Larson's Country Market, LLC bakery items
150-152 The Candle Farm Soy wax candles & wax melts
153-154 Catrina's Crafty Place tumblers, wireless phone charger
155 Cummins' Crafts cloth crafts & wood crafts
156-158 Cause for Paws handmade dog or pet-related items
159 Pinecreek Enterprises live edge rustic shelves tables & stools
160 Pretty Little Clay Company polymer clay earrings
162 Connie's Calico Creations baked potato bags, bowl buddies
165 Unstated Apparel apparel inspired by the Midwest.
166-167 Pallet Jax Signs LLC handmade signs
168-169 Heilman's Wooden Creations Folk Art, wooden santas
170-172 Breit Ideas wood signs & decor
173-174 Dough Delights Inc personalized salt dough ornaments
175 Cheesekake Ko homemade cheesecakes
176 Sweet Girl Signs floral arrangements for different seasons
182-183 Sweet Stitiches Market women's clothing & hats
184-185 BearMoon Soap soap, scrubs, bath bombs, lip balm, etc,
186 Jackson, Mary Lou Halloween items, wreaths, gnomes, signs
Each year Autumn on Parade recognizes longstanding community orgranizations by making them Units of Honor for the Harvest Time Parade.
This year one of the Unit of Honors is celebrating 125 years of business!
Edward D. Etnyre was resourceful, hard-working, and held a keen interest in the well-being of his fellow man. He designed and manufactured products for others with as much care as he would for his own use.
This required a deep and personal commitment coupled with deep customer involvement. He passed that promise on “The Etnyre Road” - E.D. Etnyre company’s proudest tradition.
E.D. Etnyre & Co. proudly manufactures a wide range of equipment serving the asphalt road construction industry, from asphalt spreaders to chip spreaders and storage tanks to trailers.
Since 1898, Etnyre continually sets the standard for performance and reliability, paving the way for customer success.
That success is a result of the way they build each unit to order and provide unparalleled support, from product selection to parts and service.
Etnyre continues to lead the industry with its legendary commitment to the marketplace. Their products combine more than 125 years of experience with the latest technological advances to provide customers with maximum performance and reliability.
Etnyre prides themselves on building great equipment that contributes to the quality of the world’s roads and benefits everyone who travels on them.
E.D. Etnyre is also Autumn on Parade’s 2023 Presenting Sponsor! Thank you for your generous donation supporting our festival.
Stronghold Retreat and Conference Center, located just north of Oregon, was founded in 1963 after the Presbyterian Church PC (USA) purchased the property.
The mission of Stronghold is to “provide opportunities for the people to experiance a biblicial vision for the human community through a retreat and camping enviornment.”
The property was originally purchased in 1928 by Walter A. Strong, the owner & publisher of the Chicago Daily News. The newspaper was known for its literary efforts, and sought to expose corruption during the lawlessness of the Prohibition Era.
In 1929, construction began on the Strong’s Tudor style home, known as the “Castle.” A quarry was opened by Mr. Strong to provide stone for the castle and it was completed in 1931. Strong envisioned a summer home away from Chicago to allow his children to experi-
ance nature and embrace God’s love, matching today’s mission of Stronghold.
Walter died suddenly on May 10, 1931 before the completeion of his summer home. His ashes were placed on the property at the Circle of Pines slightly north of the castle. His widow,
Josephine never remarried and continued to own the property until her death in September, 1961.
Walter’s children sold the property to the Presbyterian Church for roughly $185,000. During the family’s ownership, construction was completed on three structures still in existance today at Stronhold. David’s Tower, constructed around 1940, Oakwood House, located in the south woods and used for staff housing, and the Toboggann Tower. Stronghold is also home of two natural bogs and two hillside praires.
Since 1963, Stronghold has operated summer camps including mission groups and volunteer projects. Today, Stronghold continues to offer summer camps, weddings, reunions, banquets, retreats for spirtual enrichment, group bonding retreats, family camping at our family campgrounds and so much more.
The center is also celerbrating the 50th year of Olde English Faire, held during Autumn on Parade weekend.
The Entertainment HotSpot kicks off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 with local favorite, Justin Jones, playing a variety of acoustic songs from ’90s to today!
Chicago’s hottest acoustic duo, Grace and John, hit the stage at 3 p.m., with your favorite pop, country, classic rock, and hip hop favorites. They also take requests!
Headlining the HotSpot at 5:30 p.m. is Sunset Strip! This fast-paced 80s hairband tribute is sure to be crazy fun and a non-stop party.
Autumn on Parade thanks Martin & Company, our 2023 Entertainment HotSpot Sponsor!
Foundation for Focus House holds its annual Car Show with Autumn on Parade every year.
The car show brings out many rare and vintage cars from all around the area. Foundation for Focus House is a 501c3 nonprofit that raises money for youth receiving services at Focus House in Rochelle.
Focus House offers residential and outpatient care to youth involved in the Juvenile Justice System, serving over 200 youth a year from all of Ogle and surrounding counties.
To register for the Car Show or to see what other events we have going on, visit www.FoundationforFocusHouse.com or contact Jeni Hardin at 815-562-5881.
Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters – the programming at Focus House could not provide these services for our youth without YOU!
Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine)
Trophies 2:30 p.m.
Location: Oregon Park East
Bring the kids to visit Autumn on Parade’s Fun Zone, located at North Fifth Street in the Coliseum parking lot. We will be open both Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing a variety of activities for kids of all ages. We are welcoming back some favorites and have some exciting new additions.
This year we are proud to include Fun Zone QUIET HOURS. If your child would benefit from an environment with minimal sounds and crowds, visit us Sunday, Oct. 8, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Autumn on Parade appreciates our community’s understanding of this special time and we look forward to seeing everyone during our open play times the rest of the weekend.
Items for purchase both Saturday and Sunday include Just 4 Fun Ice Cream, selling frozen treats, and a Penny Store available for kids to purchase small toys and trinkets. This year’s free fun will include:
Saturday, Oct 7:
Jason Kollum bubble stations/shows
Miller’s Petting Zoo
Stateline Bounce Houses (ages 10 & under)
Etnyre Touch a Truck
Carnival games, crafts and more!
Sunday, Oct 8:
Characters 2 Life-Captain America & Wonder Woman (10-1 p.m.)
Miller’s Petting Zoo
Stateline Bounce Houses (ages 10 & under)
Carnival Games, Crafts, & More!
*Fun Zone Quiet Hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8.
Thank you to our Family Fun Zone sponsors: Circle G Farms and Stillman Bank.
Ogle County is one of the state’s leading producers of agricultural crops and livestock and the AOP Tractor Classic helps shine a light on that fact.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Oregon Park East
Tractor Parade: 4 p.m.
Register with Stan Eden at 815-994-1191 or edensre@msn.com.
*No entry fee.
Food trucks on site for food and beverage service.
“Our tractor show is a nod toward this history and farming heritage, a leading force in our local economy,” said show chairman Stan Eden. “Whether you like John Deere green or Farmall red, the 30th annual Autumn on Parade Antique Tractor Classic and Gas Engine Exhibit should be just what the tractor doctor ordered.”
Past shows have featured more than 50 outstanding exhibits representing Oliver, Farmall 1H, Minneapolis Moline, Allis Chalmers, J.I. Case, Fordson, and John Deere.
Eden shared they will also have gasoline engines, machinery, and lawn tractors on display.
Recognition & Awards will be presented on-site.
Be sure to join our raffle and Silent Auction – one Silent Auction winner
will receive a truck load of gravel from Steve Benesh & Sons Quarry!
Then watch our Tractor Parade- Tractors from the show will drive through
Oregon’s downtown area at 4 p.m. Thank you to Steve Benesh & Sons and WOODS Equipment for sponsoring the Tractor Show!
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are just three staples awaiting Autumn on Parade visitors at the historic Chana School, located on River Road in Oregon Park East.
This unique two-room school, built in 1883, is celebrating its 139th birthday this year. It will be open for tours on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The school originally stood in the town of Chana seven miles from Oregon and was set to be torn down in 1998. But a group of local citizens formed the Chana School Foundation to move the building to a new location, restore it to its original appearance, and operate it as a living history museum.
After five years of fund raising, grant writing and thousands of hours of volunteer labor, the Chana School Museum opened in the Fall of 2003. In December 2005, the school was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Chana School is in among the less 1% of the buildings on the National Register that were moved. This is a very unique recognition.
This unique V-shared building is not your typical rural schoolhouse. Inside visitors will find cloak rooms with curved walls, decorative pressed tin walls and ceilings and fancy carved woodwork painted in Victorian colors.
One classroom has been restored to how it would have looked in the mid 1890s complete with period desks, pump organ, antique lithographs and a decorative wood stove.
The other classroom contains exhibits about life in the late 1800s and information about rural education in northern Illinois.
The Chana School is open by appointment by calling 815-979-2903 or 815-732-2447. The school offers simulation field trips for school classes throughout the year. The museum can also be used for weddings, meetings, and workshops.
Support the Autumn on Parade festival with your 60/40 raffle ticket purchase!
Need not be present to win. The 2022 total pot reached $19,465! One lucky winner takes 60%, 40% goes toward festival funding.
Get your lucky ticket(s) in advance!!
Head to autumnonparade.com for a list of local business sites who will be hosting sales now through Oct. 6.
The Olde English Faire is celebrating 50 years.
The faire is held in conjunction with Autumn on Parade at the Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, 1922 N IL Route 2, just north of Oregon.
The faire will feature live performances, food trucks, artisan vendors selling handmade wares, Vikings, royalty, horses, jesters, merriment, dancing, and castle tours.
Hours are:
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 per person and $5 for kids under the age of 12. Kids under 5 are free!
Visit https://strongholdcenter.org/ for more information.
