Before school starts, events on the horizon in the Stateline

With the new school season starting, fun events are still coming to Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit - some of them historical.

Since 1952, Rockton Township Historical Society brings the best of historical education to the forefront on a daily basis. To help fund needs at the Green Street Carriage House Museum, they host a variety of fundraisers year round. The next event is a garage/yard sale on Friday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m at 320 West Rockton Rd. The museum displays items about Walt Williamson’s Wagon Wheel Resort, early settlers, local business and industry, Mack family and Native Americans, Civil War Brigadier General Elon Farnsworth, military items and uniforms.

Rockton's Historic Preservation Commission was created in 2015 and is made up of volunteers who are keeping Rockton's rich history by honoring the overall community including historic buildings, unique architecture, landmarks, plus other points of interest.

One of the ways they are honoring their mission is by hosting a three part Historic Downtown Walking Tour series. The first part is on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. The second and third walking tours will occur on Saturday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, September 16.

The 60th annual Rockton American Legion Post #332 Corn Boil is coming back to the American Center, (American Legion) on Sunday, Aug. 6.

Catch up with friends as you enjoy all-you -can-eat sweet corn, brats, or a pork chop sandwich plus side dishes. The event starts at noon and runs until around 4 p.m. The cost is $10 per adult, and $6 for children ages 6-12, under five years of age are free.

Tickets can be purchased to win raffle prizes donated by local businesses or individuals. Take a chance on winning a cash prize during a 50/50 raffle, or on a Grand Prize drawing where three prize winners are chosen to win a first prize of $2,500, or a second or third place prize of $500.

Rockton PTO invites the public to celebrate the completion of newly accessible playground equipment that has been installed and built by the hands of community volunteers in Rockton School District 140. A ribbon cutting will take place between 5-5:30 p.m .on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at Rockton Grade School's playground. The staff of the Rockford IceHogs will be in attendance along with a special appearance by Hammy!

Families who live in the school district are invited to participate in a “Back to School Picnic” behind Whitman Post and RGS following the ribbon cutting. Pizza, popsicles, chips, hot dogs, soda, water and ice cream are on the menu. Extra fun comes in the form of a staff dunk tank, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, a gaga pit, glitter tattoos, STEM activities, plus much more!

On Aug. 9, elev815 invites the public to a gathering at the Rockton River Market at Settler's Park  at 5 p.m. Enjoy music, food and the chance to meet up with others in the community! Meet at DeeDee's coffee truck (which has been named Hazel).

The group is also organizing a golf play day on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at the Red Barn Golf Course starting at 11:30 a.m. Socialize by joining others for lunch only or couple that with rounds of golf. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The Rockton American Legion Post #332 Ladies Auxiliary is participating in the “Give 10 for Education” program. Members are collecting 10 items each in school supplies to be donated to Rockton schools.

Public donations are welcome and can be dropped off in the box outside the Legion club room by Aug. 9.

Join Macktown Living History at Macktown Forest Preserve on Sunday, Aug. 13 to find out how surveying in America got started and how it shaped the development of our area. Take part in interactive action by studying maps and plats. Historic buildings and settlement grounds will be open and everyone is welcome! A suggested donation of $5 helps to cover the cost of this and other future educational events.

Macktown is also holding a meeting for current, new, and prospective volunteers on Aug. 10, 2023, 6:30-8:00 p.m.  Ice cream will be served at the meeting. All ages are welcome! Volunteers are needed as docents and tour guides, support staff for Education Days and Special Events, maintenance, sewing, greeters, fundraising, interpreters for Special Events, and many more miscellaneous tasks.

School starts soon. Rockton district schools are welcoming everyone back to school, with HCHS starting on Aug. 16, with grade and elementary schools starting on Aug. 17. Roscoe and South Beloit schools start on Aug. 23 after welcome back days, freshmen first days and orientations.

Please be aware of the Rockton Police Department “Stalker” message board to check your speed in the school zones.

Hononegah sports teams, new staff, and administration will be introduced at the 2023 Purple and Gold Festival on Friday night, Aug. 18. Action starts at 5:30 pm. Games are scheduled prior to a Purple and Gold parade, set to start at 7:15. Princess Hononegah, cheer and dance teams give their first performances of the year.

Before the Walt Williamson pool officially closes for the summer, dogs get their day to jump, play, swim and to make a splash. Rockton's doggie swim is on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 19 from 1-4 p.m. Please make sure that your dogs are updated on vaccines and shots and that they are well behaved. No humans are allowed in the pool with dogs.

Hononegah High School's Class of 1988 is planning their 35th class reunion. Former classmates have several chances to reunite starting with a pre-reunion meetup on Friday evening Sept. 22 at 7 p.m, at Fibs in Rockton. Reunion organizer CJ Morden is treating everyone to a free taco bar.

The next morning, Sept. 23, classmates have the opportunity to take a tour of HCHS starting at 10 a.m. All are asked to meet at the main entrance to the school.

Finish out the reunion rounds with a visit to Louie's Tap House in Roscoe on Saturday evening, Sept. 23 where a buffet meal is being served at a cost of $25 per person.

Contact CJ Morden at Cjmorden@icloud.com to submit payment or for any questions.