Smart Living Rockford- August 2023

Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

Managing Editor Jim Taylor

Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi

Graphics Director

Samantha Behling

Graphic Designer

Ashley Smith

Contributing Writers

Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner

General Sales Manager

Brent Hughes

Sales Manager

Brad Hughes

Advertising Sales Representatives

Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky

Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of

Hana Hughes

Distribution

Kelly and Larry Fairbairn

Lazy Summer Nights

Happy summer! I’m still clinging to this season, no matter how many back-toschool ads I see on a daily basis.

I wish I could pen a thought-provoking column about “Oppenheimer” or the new Barbie movie… but to be honest, I haven’t seen either yet. Childcare is a scarce resource for the Lukas family right now, and work stuff has to take priority over cinematic escapism.

However, my son is an angelic sleeper who goes to bed at 7:30 p.m. every night on the dot (bless him), which leaves me and my husband a few hours in the evenings to spend some quality time together. I hate to say it, but normally, we use that time to just get stuff done around the house. We fold laundry, contend with dishes, open mail... and before you know it, the night is over.

But this summer, we’ve been trying to intentionally take breaks from “busy parent mode” and use our nights together for true quality time. Oftentimes, it’s hard. There’s laundry staring me in the face constantly. My son’s toys are always scattered across the living room, which makes me feel frazzled. Forcing myself to put off non-urgent tasks and actually relax is a true challenge.

(Or at least, it was challenging for a week. It’s pretty easy to get used to lying on the couch when you’re four months pregnant and your husband insists.)

Lately, chores have taken a spot on the back-burner and instead, our evening routine consists of obsessively watching “The Traitors” on Peacock. It’s so good, and honestly, it’s the only thing I want to talk about these days. We loved season one so much that we subsequently watched the Australia version and now we’re knee-deep in the U.K. version. It’s basically one big game of Mafia in a gorgeous Scottish castle, and I’m here for it.

I know our to-do lists are only going to get longer once fall is here, so these lazy summer nights are precious. Hopefully, you’re able to find pockets of time to relax, too.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Religion Gone Bad

Whenit’s good, it brings out the very best in people. But when religion goes amok, whether by bad leadership, doctrine or practice, its capacity to do harm is infinite.

Jesus Christ knew this. He chose to model servant leadership, something in stark contrast to the pious behavior of pharisees and other religious leaders of his day. He taught his disciples to lift people up rather than oppress them; to esteem others more highly than themselves and to exemplify right behavior without hypocrisy.

Pharisees are referenced 86 times in the gospels, and are nearly always in conflict with Jesus. He not only rebuked them for having wrong priorities and being hard-hearted, but sometimes accused them of doing Satan’s work.

In Matthew 23:23-25, Jesus said: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

Sadly, many people use bad religious leaders as an excuse to avoid God altogether, even though God is in no way responsible for the abuses made in His name. To do so is to focus on the weakness of man, rather than the perfection of God, and to miss out on the joy of His presence.

During his ministry, Jesus invited us into a way of life governed by love and grace, not burdensome oppression.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) he said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ❚

–Janine Pumilia

Summer Fun at the Winnebago County Fair

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Every year, adults can feel like a kid again at the Winnebago County Fair, and children can create core memories to cherish for a lifetime. This year’s fair takes place Aug. 16-20 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica.

“There are several fun activities for the whole family at the Winnebago County Fair,” says Kyah Bean, fair board secretary. “We have various free entertainment around the grounds including a lumberjack show, a county fair queen pageant, pedal pulls, live music, etc. We also have events nightly in our grandstand that include a rodeo, truck races, tractor pulls, truck pulls and a demo derby.”

And of course, there’s the beloved carnival happening daily.

The entertainment tent features The Brockway Brothers at 7 p.m. on Wednes-

day, The Matthew Holm Band at 7 p.m. on Thursday, The 80’s Hit List at 8 p.m. on Friday, a tribute to Elvis from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, and Infinity at 9 p.m. on Saturday. These performances are free.

Grandstand entertainment includes the Winnebago County Fair Pro Rodeo at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, truck races at 7 p.m. on Thursday, the Badger State Hot Rod Tractor Pulls at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the Illini State Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the demo derby at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Grandstand entertainment has a separate fee from general admission, ranging from $5-$10, while children ages 8 and under can enter free.

Many hours of volunteer work go into making the fair possible.

“This is so much more than just a ‘one person’ event,” Bean says. “There

are several directors on the fair board who put in countless hours of work. There are also others who can’t go unrecognized – the office staff, 4-H clubs, fan clubs, and volunteers who donate their time and money who are so appreciated. Without the contribution of every single one of the volunteers, this event would not be possible.”

Bean grew up going to the fair every year. For her to now serve as secretary for the fair board is a full-circle, gratifying experience.

“There’s just something that feels so ‘All-American’ about a county fair,” she says. “I grew up going to every single one, including my very first one at just 2-months old. I was able to watch my dad – who has been on the fair board my whole life – work throughout the year, and here I am, following in his footsteps

on the fair board myself. Being able to host an event that brings people of all ages together to support fun and agriculture is something that will always be near and dear to my heart.”

On Wednesday, general admission from noon-midnight costs $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 9-12, while military and seniors ages 60 and older can enter free as part of “Military and Senior Day.” Fairgoers can bring two non-perishable food items to benefit the Rockford Rescue Mission and receive one free admission.

On Thursday, general admission from noon- midnight is $5 for adults and $3 for military and seniors ages 60 and older. Children ages 12 and under can enter free as part of “Kid’s Day.”

On Friday and Saturday, general admission from 10 a.m.-midnight costs $7 for adults and $5 for military, seniors, and children ages 9-12. Children ages 8 and under can enter free.

On Sunday, general admission from

10 am.-6 p.m. costs $5 for adults and $3 for military, seniors and children ages 9-12. Children ages 8 and under can enter free.

Those interested in the carnival may want to purchase a Mega Pass for $25, which includes admission and unlimited rides from open to close on the day of your choice. Mega Passes are available across Winnebago County at most Kelley Williamson Mobils, German American State Bank, Mike’s One Stop, Every Little Thing, or online at winnebagocounty-

fair.com. Mega Passes are available for purchase until Aug. 16 at noon. General admission and grandstand event tickets are also available online.

“This event is a time for people to get together to share memories,” Bean says. “Kids from different school districts get to show their animals together. Families and friends join together to ride the carnival rides, enjoy some of the shows and eat some delicious food. We look forward to seeing you at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds.” ❚

Outings

‘Anything That Floats’ Race Returns

By Katie Gray

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the famous Rock River Anything That Floats Race is returning to Rockford. On Aug. 20, spectators once again can gather to marvel as makeshift vessels glide down the river. The race route, which spans 1.65 miles, begins just north of the Auburn Street Bridge and ends at Prairie Street Brewing Co. downtown.

Powered only by the brave and resourceful humans aboard, watercraft of all shapes, sizes and themes float toward the finish line. As the name of the race implies: if it floats, it’s a boat.

Race organizers say some boats from years past are so clever they’re hard to forget.

“The airplane from 2018 was a crazy float,” says Reed Sjostrom, chief brand and products officer at Prairie Street Brewing Co. Katy Chadwick, broadcast revenue manager at Mid-West Family Broadcasting, agrees. “They put an actual plane on the water,” she says. “It was wild.”

They’re excited to be part of this year’s race committee. The annual event brings teams, families and businesses together for good-natured fun while enjoying one of Rockford’s best assets: the Rock River.

“I can’t emphasize enough what a cool team-building exercise it is,” says Jay Graham, founder and creative director at GrahamSpencer Brand + Content Solutions. “Race day is just a blast for the contestants because people are lining the river yelling and cheering them on.”

There are two divisions, one for completely homemade rafts and one for commercially manufactured hulls. Both divisions require racers to power the rafts themselves.

Landlubbers have plenty of places along the shore to watch the floats go by. Each boat is timed, so just one raft at a time leaves the starting line. Not only is this safer for everyone on

the water, but it also provides spectators with a steady stream of entertainment. Popular places for viewers include the launch site, the “Symbol” statue, Sinnissippi Park, Riverfront YMCA, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and, of course, Prairie Street Brewing Co, where spectators can work on their tan, enjoy live music, and fire ducks off the dock and toward a mid-river target. Don’t worry. The ducks are rubber.

Dubbed “Release The Quackin,” this dockside game is like a duck drop but better.

“We have this big slingshot on the edge of the dock, and there’s a target floating out in the river,” Graham says. “You can buy ducks and fire them out to win prizes.” The game runs from noon to 3 p.m. and costs $5 per duck or $20 for 5 ducks.”

It’ll be a party-like atmosphere all day at Prairie Street with food trucks, vendors and the brewery’s usual beverages.

“We’ll do something similar to Dinner on the Dock,” Sjostrom says. “We’ll have grab-and-go food options, the usual brewpub menu and the bar.”

Food and drink options are also available at Nicholas Conservatory, another good place to see the rafts floating by.

While the pandemic may have dropped an anchor on the Anything That Floats race from 2020 to 2022, the time has come to reignite this passion project. And it’s all for a good cause.

As a nonprofit event, proceeds go to support community events and activities. Past beneficiaries include the Fourth of July Celebration, Festival of Lights, Rock River Trail Initiative and the Ski Broncs.

“What makes this event successful is people supporting the race,” Chadwick says. “Without that support, these events go away. So, show up, make your raft, become a sponsor or sign up to volunteer so we can keep fun things like this happening in town. Jump onboard.” ❚

(Prairie Street Brewing Co. photos)

The Rock River ‘Anything That Floats’ Race returns to Rockford Aug. 20, when spectators can witness watercraft of all shapes and sizes float down the river. This airplane was a float in 2018.

Venetian Festival

Aug. 16-20, check website for times. Highlights include live music in entertainment pavilion, beer garden, carnival rides, arts and crafts fair, Baggo tournament, water ski show, boat parade and fireworks. Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, (262) 248-3673, visitlakegeneva.com.

Woodsong: ‘South of Disorder’

Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m. The suburban Chicago cover/ tribute band is dedicated to the music of Jimmy Buffett and the beach, good times and the search for the perfect margarita. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

Walworth County Fair

Aug. 30-Sept. 4, daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. The awardwinning fair highlights exhibitors, vendors and concessions, agricultural education, contests, souvenirs and gifts, entertainment, carnival rides and more on the 100-acre fairgrounds. Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, Wis., (262) 723-3228, walworthcountyfair.com.

Screw City Beer Fest

Sept. 9, noon-4 p.m. Meet the folks behind some 30 Midwestern breweries and sample their work while enjoying food options from local restaurants and food trucks. Limited number of tick-

Entertainment & Events

ets, so reg. req. Riverfront Lot at Riverview Ice House, 324 N. Madison St., Rockford, screwcitybeerfest.com.

Flannel Jam Country Confidential

Sept. 10, 7 p.m. Expect to hear an acoustic set from two touring country artists plus a questionand-answer session hosted by Q98.5’s Lil’ Zim, JB Love and Johnny V. The evening’s performers remain confidential until showtime. Profits support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Easter Seals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Greenwich Village Art Fair

Sept. 16-17, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. to 5 p.m. The fair draws together a juried selection of artists who display their works outdoors. They’re joined by local musicians, children’s activities, local vendors, food trucks and more. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

George Lopez: ‘ALLLRIIIIGHTTT!’

Sept. 16, 7 p.m. The artist currently stars in a comedy series “Lopez vs. Lopez” for NBC, fea-

turing his real-life daughter, Mayan Lopez. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Disney’s ‘Encanto’: The Sing-Along

Sept. 27, 6 p.m. “Encanto” lovers of all ages have the opportunity to sing along with their favorite Grammy Award-winning songs. Tunes are performed by a live band while the family-friendly film plays onscreen. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, coronadopac.org. ❚

Midwestern breweries and local restaurants converge at the Riverview Ice House, in Rockford, for Screw City Beer Fest on Sept. 9.