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Marriage Licenses
SPECIAL EVENT Oregon Park District fireworks show is Aug. 7
Social distancing to be part of the event at Oregon Park East
BY JEFF HELFRICH jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com
There should be plenty of oohs and aahs coming Aug. 7 when the Oregon Park District hosts its annual fireworks show.
The display is set for approximately 9 p.m. at Oregon Park East. The event has been held at Oregon Park West in past years.
Fireworks will be launched from the lower edge of the park over the Rock River.
“The location will provide the greatest opportunity for people to see the fireworks from many locations in the downtown area and practice social distancing,” a press
COVID-19 & RECREATION
Straw Sculpting Competition is still slated for August
Encore! Mt. Morris has made the tough decision to cancel PorchFest for 2020.
“We were cautiously optimistic and continued to plan as long as we could, but after discussion with the Ogle County Public Health Department, and in the interest of public health, we felt it best to reduce the risks associated with hosting a large
Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media
The Oregon Park District finished off its 2019 Concerts in the Park series with fireworks.
release said.
Park East will not be accessible to the public by vehicular or pedestrian traffic. River Road will also be public event,” said Jeff Bold, representing Encore. “An additional consideration included the impending start of the school year and the potential impact on the greater community. The decision was difficult, but the musicians scheduled and the supporting porch hosts are like family and we know it’s the right thing to do at this time. Thank you to the musicians and porches for registering, all worked hard trying to make 2020 happen and most have already committed to join us for PorchFest 2021 on Saturday, June 12.”
The US National Straw Sculpting Competition will open Aug. 7 and be on display through Aug. 23 on the Mt. Morris Campus. closed during the fireworks show.
“The park district’s goal is to bring this annual event to as many members of our community as pos
Sculptures will be displayed with social distancing, voting will be on-line, and there will be no StrawFest day, normally scheduled for the closing weekend.
“We thank ComEd for being our event sponsor,” Bold said.
The Encore Fine Arts Show, ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’, scheduled sible while keeping our community safe and socially distanced,” the release said. “A rain date for the fireworks show is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8.”
The park district is currently working with the Oregon Fire Department, City of Oregon and IDOT to finalize the details. “Park East will remain closed to all spectators, but we encourage patrons to view from their vehicles and practice proper social distancing at all times,” the release said.
“OPD has provided the community with a fireworks show since we celebrated our 50th anniversary several years ago, but due to COVID19 we were forced to change gears,” Executive Director Erin Folk said. “The district has had to make many sacrifices and limit programming because of COVID-19. The annual fireworks show is an opportunity to provide continued entertainment and some much-needed joy during
PorchFest a no-go thanks to COVID-19 pandemic
an unusual time.” for August in Old Sandstone Gallery has been cancelled. The Student Art Show, scheduled for Aug. 28 –Sept. 5 is under review to determine ways to make it safe for families to see their student’s artwork.
“Encore strives to safely provide art opportunities; and continues their mission of making Mt. Morris a rural destination for the arts. Encore! Mt. Morris is composed of volunteers committed to developing Mt. Morris, into a unique, thriving rural and cultural arts destination in northwest Illinois,” Bold said.
Visit EncoreMtMorris.com for more information on all events, or call the Mt. Morris Village Hall at 815-734-6425 to leave a message.
IN BRIEF
Polo Car Show cancelled
The 2020 Polo Car Show, originally scheduled to take place on Aug. 8, has been canceled after the Polo City Council gave it the green light last on July 20.
“After much consideration and following the advice of the Ogle County Health Department, we regret to inform you that the 31st Original Polo, Illinois Car Show to be held on Aug. 8, 2020 has been cancelled,” the Polo Chamber of Commerce said. “However, all participants if you would like to cruise the town of Polo be sure to stop downtown and patronize our bars, restaurants and shops. See you next year!”
City Hall received some complaints regarding holding the car show. There were plans to hold the show with signage and hand sanitizer provided with phase four guidelines being adhered to.
Ogle County marriage licenses
Ogle County clerk Laura Clark has issued the following marriage licenses.
July 10
Brett Robert Larson and Gina Marie Koeller, both of Rockford.
Blake Robert Cohoon of Rockford and Crystal Kara Savage of Holcomb.
Michael Kevin Koch and Cammie Lynn Milsaps, both of Davis Junction.
July 16
Christian David Hage of Dixon and Hope Olivia Stoner of Shannon.
