Rockton Lions Club  gives back through Old Settler’s Day’s Festival

Before gates opened four days of summer fun and  thousands of visitors were welcomed into Settlers Park  the Rockton Lion’s Club held a blood drive, organized by Rockton Lion, John Schamell. 

The drive June 18 is one of several important aspects that make up the  Rockton Lions Club Old Settlers Days festival.  

Maggie Anderson, Marketing and Recruitment Specialist at the Rock River Blood Center said, “We had 186 donors, and we collected 144 successful units of blood. This is one of our biggest drives of the year and we are very grateful.”

All donors  received a free festival pass. An extra pass was given to those who donated a pair of glasses while giving blood.

Carol Wright, Scott Denowh, and Karen Martin served as this year's  event organizers. Over a hundred volunteers assisted in different sections of the festival. 

On the festival grounds little ones rode on  hot air balloons, teacups, on the Orient Express, in fun cars,on  bumble bees, or in the Fire Chief.

Teenagers and older took a spin on the Tornado, Down Draft, The Sizzler, the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, or the Zipper and Zero Gravity. 

“The Ferris Wheel was my favorite ride. It brought me back to my childhood. I used to go on the Ferris Wheel when I was a kid when they had Old Settlers Days on Rockton’s Main Street. My parents would take me, my sister, and my brother and we had always had such a  great time,”said Amy Adair.

Games ranged from basketball and Skeeball to the Big Blaster, a balloon pop, Gator Grab, E-Claw machines, a photo booth, a Fun House and more.

Food and beverage choices included everything from pizza, pulled pork, elephant ears, deep fried Twinkies or Oreo, specialty meals, and an old fashioned soda hut.

Adair gave her take on the food options, “I loved the Cotton candy, and the corn dogs.”

Sounds of Country music came alive  each night.  Chris Janson gave a great performance  on the main stage with special guest Hunter Flynn  on Thursday night. 

Friday evening featured an electrifying show by Ashley McBryde. 

Originally Dalton Davis was set to open for McBryde but had to cancel his performance as he and his wife welcomed a baby, right before Father’s Day.

Jake Hess stepped in to open for McBryde while displaying his talents. 

Saturday Lauren Alaina hit the stage with John Morgan, and on Sunday John Ross as  Just Jayne warmed up the audience. 

Christine Lawver said, “I thought that all of the shows were great. Sunday’s show was my favorite and the rain didn’t spoil our fun!” 

Barbara Rothmaler echoed Lawver’s sentiments about the concerts. 

Rothmaler added, “Shout out to all of the sponsors who helped make this weekend possible, to all of the volunteers who work so hard to put on this fundraiser, and a shout out to the law enforcement who worked hard to protect everyone and to keep us all safe! 

Different genres of music were covered by  Rollin Whiskey, Hank’s Neighbors,  Random AF and On the Rocks in the Apex General Contracting Beer Tent. 

Dirt Road Rebelz was originally scheduled on Sunday but were unable to perform due to rainy weather conditions. 

Before the rain shut the rides down on  Sunday, "sensory friends" from local school districts had a chance to ride in an environment providing less stimulation. 

High level sponsors qualify to enjoy the Lions Club VIP tent. For these major donors who help to fund the festival, food, beverage choices and ideal seating for concerts is included.

Party tents offered an extra fun option this year.

Vendors offered t-shirts, cowboy hats and hat umbrellas,  yard decor, plus other unique items.

Making getting into the festival easier is SMTD (Stateline Mass Transit) who has continued partnering with the Lions Club by offering the best of their fleet to provide free shuttle bus service from the Hononegah High school parking lot to the festival grounds, all four days. 

One year ago on the Sunday of the OSD festival Randy Stien and Nicole Walker got engaged on the main stage. This year Walker was drawn as  the Mega 50/50 raffle winner. 

The Rockton Lions have received specific  recognition for living out their mission. 

In 2018 the Rockton Lions Club was presented with a RAMI- Rockford Area Music Industry Award for the OSD festival. In 2026 they were nominated for a Stately Award from the Stateline Chamber of Commerce. 

Keeping in line with the Rockton Lions motto, “We Serve” profits of the OSD festival are given back to the community through various donations. 

During the festival the Rockton Lion’s Club gave more  substantial donations, with a check presentation each day of the festival. The club donated to the  Center for Sight and Hearing, the Old Stone Church Food Pantry, Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF)and Hononegah Stateline Robotics.

This  year the Rockton Lions Club has donated over $64,000 back to the community. 

Other  organizations assisted by the Rockton Lions Club include but are not limited to: The  Carrie Lynn Center, Boy Scout Troop#619, Girl Scouts, Talcott Library, and  fire and police departments. The Lions have also supported  “Shoebox for Soldiers.”

Annually the Rockton Lions Club assures that local families have a brighter Christmas through Wimpy’s Fund.

An all volunteer committee starts planning for this mega four day event in August. The Rockton Lions Club works closely with the Village of Rockton, Village Public Works Department and Rockton Police Department to bring this  venue offering something for everyone all while continuing to give back to the community they serve.