5-03-2024 1:37am

What's happening in far northern Illinois: Friday, May 3 - Friday, May 10

Michael McGinnis Editor

Photo: Polina Kovaleva

This week in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton: it's Cinco de Mayo! Plus: a historic walking tour, cruise nights, a nature walk, cribbage at the Roscoe Community Center, live music, gardening club, senior activities, government actions, and a fine arts festival.

20 events this week on our calendar: Friday, May 3 - Friday, May 10

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Live Music: Paul Bronson Acoustic - Fri May 3 3:00 pm

Hidden Creek Estates

3 - 10 p.m.
Paul Bronson Acoustic Music is providing the sonic backdrop at Hidden Creek Estates's Wine Bar. Food by L'Osteria. [more details]

Live Music: Paul Hieser at Beloit Sky Carp Pregame Jam - Sat May 4 12:00 pm

ABC Supply Stadium

The Beloit Sky Carp Pregame Jam is back. Local musicman, Paul Hieser, is bringing back classic oldies to ABC Supply Stadium, on the concourse. [more details]

Walk with U - Guided Walk at Roland Olson Forest Preserve - Sat May 4 9:00 am

Roland Olson Forest Preserve

Start your Saturday off on the right food with a guided walk at Roland Olson Forest Preserve, a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Hikers and equestrians will find a variety of landscapes to explore in Roland Olson’s restored prairie, upland woods, and remnant pine plantation. This is a free, family-friendly walk. Leashed dogs allowed. No RSVP needed! [more details]

Roscoe Gardening Club: Organic Gardening - Sat May 4 10:00 am

Roscoe Township Community Center

Allyson Rosemore (they/them) is a first generation urban vegetable farmer stewarding land right in the heart of Rockford. Their passion for environmental justice is multifaceted and includes sources like: a commitment to building food sovereignty in our community, their lifelong and joyous relationship with nature, and the belief that none of us is free while our home suffers the ongoing effects of an extractive, exploitative economy. [more details]

Rockton Historic Walking Tour: Part II - Sat May 4 11:00 am

Old Stone Church

Join the Rockton Historic Preservation Commission for the second part of a three part series focusing on the residential areas in the 1978 National Historic District.
The tour begins at Old Stone Church at 11 a.m., and it will last approximately one hour. Part III will be June 1.

This tour is hosted by the Rockton Historic Preservation Commission in conjunction with research from the Rockton Township Historical Society. [more details]

Live Music: That 70's Band - Sat May 4 8:00 pm

Louie's Taphouse

The Stevee Nix is one of the hottest area bands, rocking clubs and festival stages since 2004. The lineup does not include Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie Nicks, but is comprised of a unique combination of lifelong friends that together total well over 100 years of music experience.
[more details]

Cinco de Mayo - Sun May 5 12:00 pm

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "the fifth of May") commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. Contrary to popular belief, it's not Mexican Independence Day - that's September 16. To get in the Mexican mood, check out Fiesta Cancun in Roscoe, Dos Amigos Taqueria or La Michoacana Tropical Oasis in South Beloit, or a food truck near you. [more details]

2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo with Bootleg Soul - Sun May 5 1:00 pm

After The Vine

1 -4 p.m. Wine, craft beers, unique gifts, and the music of Bootleg Soul, a Rockford area rock band, covering classic / current rock, country and much more. [more details]

South Beloit City Council Meeting - Mon May 6 5:00 pm

South Beloit City Hall

The regular City Council meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 519 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL.
All meetings are held in the City Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend. [more details]

50 North, Senior Activity Event - Tue May 7 1:00 pm

Rockton Township Community Center

Join us for a relaxing day playing games and enjoying root beer floats! We will meet at 1 p.m. at the Rockton Township Community Center, 302 Main St., Rockton. Reminder: If you'd like, you may bring a non-perishable food donation for the food pantry, who will be visiting us on May 21. Bring your favorite game and a favorite friend and come spend the afternoon playing games with us. [more details]

Cribbage at the Roscoe Township Community Center - Tue May 7 1:00 pm

Roscoe Township Community Center

1 -3 p.m. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
Join us for an opportunity to connect with your neighbors, share stories, and make new friends. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with laughter, cribbage, and great conversations. Feel free to bring a friend!
For more information, call Activities Director Mary Ryan at 815-988-5354.
[more details]

Village of Roscoe Board Meeting - Tue May 7 6:30 pm

Village of Roscoe

The semi-monthly meeting of the Village of Roscoe Board of Trustees. After the regular board meeting, the trustees reconvene as the Committee of the Whole to talk over future plans and ideas. Citizens are invited to give public comments to the board at the beginning and end of each meeting.

Please attend in person, or join virtually.

[more details]

Backyard Chickens in Winnebago County - Tue May 7 7:00 pm

Roscoe Township Community Center

This event is in support of passing an ordinance through the Winnebago County Board to allow backyard chickens in areas not covered by municipal ordinances.

The Village of Roscoe, the Village of Rockton, and the City of South Beloit already allow backyard chickens. They are not allowed in the Rural Residential zoned unincorporated areas of Winnebago County. [more details]

Village of Rockton Board Meeting - Tue May 7 7:00 pm

Village of Rockton Municipal Center

The Village of Rockton Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The public is invited. [more details]

Spring Fine Arts Festival Jazz Night - Tue May 7 7:00 pm

Hononegah Performing Arts Center

Featuring the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Band. [more details]

Cruise Night at the Museum - Wed May 8 5:00 pm

Historic Auto Attractions Museum

Get ready for a night of family fun at Historic Auto Attractions' Cruise Night! This season, we're ramping up the excitement with more games and contests for everyone to enjoy. Join us for this FREE outdoor event where you can groove to the beats, indulge in delicious food, and explore our captivating exhibits at a discounted admission rate. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a good time, cruise by. [more details]

Roscoe Township Board Meeting - Wed May 8 7:00 pm

Roscoe Township

At this regular monthly meeting of the Township Board, trustees will discuss the cost of a storage shed and rental prices for the Community Center. [more details]