OCN-SS_05212015

OGLE COUNTY TRAVEL & TOURISM GUIDE

RANGER 2015

May 21, 2015 A Supplement to Ogle County Newspapers and Shaw Media

RANGER

2 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

On the Cover Top left, a mature bald e-agle glides over the Rock River.

Eagles nest along the river and can be seen primarily in the winter months when they fish from the open water near the Oregon dam.

Top right, a bumblebee pollinates a coneflower in a prairie planting at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour.

Middle left, a wagon full of visitors take a ride into the prairie at the Nachusa Grasslands during Autumn on the Prairie, held in September. Below that photo, a herd of bison with their calves rest at the Nachusa Grasslands. Bison were reintroduced to portions of the Grasslands in October 2014.

Lower left, an antique car and camper make their way into

the campground at Lowden State Park. Lower right, Maxson Manor’s Pride of Oregon paddlwheeler leaves for a ride on the Rock River. The Black Hawk Statue at Lowden State Park can be seen on the bluff.

Photos by Ogle County Newspapers’ Chris Johnson, Earleen Hinton

Inside • Lowden State Park ............................................5 • White Pines State Park ......................................7 • Bison at Nachusa Grasslands ..........................10 • Castle Rock State Park ....................................12 • Lowden Miller State Forest ............................13 • Festivals ..........................................................16

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RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 3

Repairs to historic Black Hawk likely to start soon Ogle County’s best-known icon will probably get its long-awaited repairs this summer.

After months of waiting and rivers of red tape, the work can finally begin on the restoration of the Black Hawk Statue.

“The work on Black Hawk can begin. We’re happy at long last,” Frank Rausa, Sterling, said in early May. “The state issued the contracts last week.”

Rausa and his wife Cherron head up the Friends of the Black Hawk Statue, a group formed six years ago to raise funds to repair the areas of the statue that are deteriorating due to time and weather.

Chris Young, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), said May 1 that agency officials had signed all

contracts.

Because the 50-foot concrete landmark is located at Lowden State Park, it is under IDNR jurisdiction.

“Work can begin when the vendors are ready,” Young said in an email.

So far a date when the work will begin has not been announced.

Dr. Andrzej Dajnowski and his crew, from Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio, Forest Park, will head up the project.

Dajnowski did not return numerous phone calls last week about when Black Hawk’s protective wrapping will come off and his crew will get started.

Through the efforts of the Friends of the Black Hawk Statue, experts came up with a plan last year to restore the portions of the statue that are crumbling and falling off.

The folded arms of the statue, especially the elbows and underneath the arms; the middle of the robe; and the vertical fold in the robe from armpit to toe are the critical areas.

The statue was encased in plastic mesh for the winter to protect it from further damage from cold, ice, and snow.

Designed by Chicago sculptor Lorado Taft in 1910 and dedicated in 1911, Black Hawk was named to the state’s list of Most Endangered Historic Places April 22 by Landmarks Illinois.

The agency released a statement about the statue.

“Despite several repairs and patches over the decades, the now 104-year old statue is in desperate need of full conservation – its concrete Turn to page 4 This photo, taken in 2013, shows some of the damage to the Black Hawk Statue.

RANGER

4 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

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Amy Lamb Woods, an engineer with Thornton Tomasetti, explains damage to the Black Hawk Statue during a press conference in 2014.

Historic statue needs repairs From page 3 body in some places is so deteriorated that if not addressed immediately there is a risk that the damage will quickly accelerate and the majority of its original details will be lost,” the press release said.

The cost of the restoration is estimated at $825,000, of which nearly $750,000 has been raised by Rausa and his group through donations, grants, and fundraisers.

Getting official approval of the repair plan and the contract for the work has repeatedly delayed the start of the repairs.

Everything seemed to be in place late last fall after IDNR officials signed a contract with project conservator Dajnowski.

However, over the winter, Rausa said, the IDNR terminated that contract and revised it.

Dajnowski received the

revised contract early this spring, but another glitch slowed the process when engineer Amy Lamb Woods left her former employer Thornton Tomasetti and joined the firm of Simpson Gumperta & Heger, a Chicago-based engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures.

Rausa said that he wanted Lamb Woods to remain on the project because of her expertise with repairing concrete structures, and because she helped develop the repair plan.

The contract with Lamb Woods was approved in early May. Now Rausa said, just some final testing remains to be done before the work begins.

“Now we’re waiting for some further testing on the materials to be put into the cracks,” he said.

A significant percentage

of the money already raised for the project came from a $350,000 grant the IDNR received from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The rest came from donations, as well as funds raised during the annual Oregon Trail Days festival held at Lowden Statue Park from 2010 through 2014.

A large contributor was the Jeffris Family Foundation, Janesville, Wis., which gave a $150,000 matching grant.

The Chicago Black Hawks hockey team got on board with what Rausa called “a sizable donation.”

Checks for the restoration project can be made out to the Illinois Conservation Foundation and marked for the Black Hawk Statue.

Donations can be mailed to Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702.

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Riverfront Stages featuring the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Logan Mize, as well as 17 other bands throughout the festival!

Ultimate Air Dogs Show Midwest Regional Qualifier sponsored by Purina Multiple events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Cruise-In Style Car Show Friday, July 3 from 10am-3pm Famous Fireworks on the Riverfront Sunday, July 5 at 9:30pm

Be sure not to miss the wide variety of family activities, craft show, bingo and great food at this year’s Dixon Petunia Festival!

For all information or to purchase tickets, please visit us at www.petuniafestival.org, call 815-288-PINK (7465) or stop into Dixon Main Street at 115 W. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.

RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 5

Lowden State Park now offers online reservations for shelters Reserving picnic shelters at Lowden State Park near Oregon can now be done online.

“Visitors can reserve tables and shelters by going to www.reserveamerica.com this year for the first time,” said Site Superintendent Grant Afflerbaugh. “In the past you could reserve campsites that way, and this year that works for tables and shelters, too.”

A new bill of fare is available at the park’s concession stand.

“We have a new concessionaire this year,” Afflerbaugh said.

New concession stand operator, Leonard Quirk, opened May 1, offering Vienna (Chicago style) hot dogs, hot pretzels, pizza, popcorn, as well as other treats.

Quirk operated a standalone hot dog cart at the park last year. His success with that prompted him to expand.

The concession stand will also carry some camping supplies.

The much-awaited project to repair cracks in the Black Hawk Statue, Lowden’s most well-known feature, is likely to begin this summer.

The contracts between a team of restoration architects and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have been signed.

“I would think they would be out here any time now,” said Lowden Site Superintendent Grant Afflerbaugh.

Created by sculptor Lorado Taft more than a century ago, the statue is made of concrete and reinforced with iron rods. The outer surface is composed of cement and pink granite chips.

The figure is estimated to weigh 100 tons and is

thought to be the secondlargest concrete monolithic statue in the world.

Now showing the ravages of time and weather, the statue has lost chunks of concrete from various areas.

Money for the repairs is being secured by fundraising efforts.

While the tribute to Native Americans may be the thing that initially draws visitors, the scenic park also offers fishing and boating, hiking, picnicking, and camping.

The park’s picnic areas are graced by large spreading oak and maple trees that offer natural beauty as well as refreshing shade.

Conveniently located near the parking lots, the areas include tables, drinking water, park stoves, outdoor toilets and litter cans.

The concession stand at the park has a new operator, Leonard Quirk.

“We have a new concessionaire this year,” Afflerbaugh said.

The concession stand will offer Vienna (Chicago style) hot dogs, hot pretzels, pizza, popcorn, as well as other

treats.

It will also carry some camping supplies.

Lowden’s 80 Class A campsites include electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers.

Another option is the campground cabin which has two sets of bunk beds, a fullsized bed and electricity.

Also available, are 38 Class B/S campsites which do not offer electricity, but Don Boehme pulls his 1956 Ford and 1962 Shasta camper into the campground area at do have access to showers.

For the true wilderness Lowden State Park in 2014. The park offers electrical sites as well as a shower house. experience, there are 8 Class D primitive hike-in only campsites.

Contact park staff upon arrival for a camping permit.

For hikers, almost four FESTIVAL STAGE miles of foot trails lead Friday visitors through the natural 6 PM: Love & Thunder wonders and beauty of the 9 PM: Jamie Campbell park. & The Redneck The scenic Rock River flows beside the park Romeos offering ample fishing and Saturday boating opportunities. A 3 PM: Peaches Beach launching ramp and boat Party/Jimmy docks across the river from Buffett Tribute the park on Ill. 2 give boaters an ideal spot to get into the 7 PM: Missy Vail Turn to page 6 9 PM: Mo Pitney

Live Music on Two Stages

Sunday 12:30 PM: Well Strung

CARNIVAL STAGE Friday 6 PM: Sunset Strip 9 PM: Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts Saturday 3 PM: The Crave 6 PM: The Stevee Nix with Abby Alton 9 PM: Kashmir Sunday 12:30 PM: Mike & Adam Leonard Quirk cooks his specialty, hot dogs, at the concession stand at Lowden State Park.

Wristbands: $5 in advance, or $8 at gate

GospelFest (July 9) • 5K Run Bags Tournament Beer Gardens • Parade ByronFest Fitness Challenge Carnival • Car Show Magician • Quilt Show Softball Tournament

JULY 10, 11 & 12 Downtown Byron 1 Block North of Rt. 2

Contact the Byron Chamber of Commerce with questions at (815) 234-5500 or visit the ByronFest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/byronfest

RANGER

6 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Camping, picnicking galore From page 5 water for fishing or water skiing.

The boat launch is in its fourth year and has proved popular.

For nighttime boaters, new lighted buoys will soon be installed above the Oregon dam.

“This should help boaters see when they’re approaching the dam,” Afflerbaugh said.

Boat fishermen can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, walleye, bullhead, carp, sucker, and drum.

What is now the park had its beginnings in 1898 when Chicago attorney Wallace Heckman and his wife Mary purchased the land where it now sits.

The couple had a great love of the outdoors and were

patrons of the arts as well.

They combined these two interests as an artists’ colony established on their Rock River property. The colony was called Eagles’ Nest, referring to a tall, dead cedar tree that clung to the high river bank.

Eagles’ Nest was a popular home for creative people, including Taft, for almost 50 years until the early 1940s.

After Gov. Frank O. Lowden, an Oregon resident, died in 1943, the state legislature appropriated $25,000 toward the cost of a memorial to him.

The citizens of Oregon and the vicinity, with help from the now Department of Natural Resources, matched that amount so that the former Eagles’ Nest land could be purchased as a memorial park.

In 1945, the 63rd General

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Assembly designated the 273-acre site as Lowden State Park.

Six years later, the 66 acres that composed the actual Eagles Nest Colony were transferred to Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, for use as a outdoor teacher education program.

The site, called the Lorado Taft Field Campus, was renovated by NIU’s Industrial Arts classes and is used yearround for conducting natural science classes in an outdoor setting.

The park is located on River Road, northeast of Oregon.

To get there, take Ill. 64 to River Road, just east of the Rock River bridge in Oregon.

Turn north on River Road and go approximately one mile to the park. For more information call 815-7326828.

The Pride of Oregon makes it way up the Rock River. The river boat is docked across the river from the Black Hawk Statue at Maxson’s Riverside Restaurant.

Take a cruise on the Rock River For a unique view of the beautiful Rock River Valley, take a cruise on the Pride of Oregon, a paddle wheel river boat docked across the river from the Black Hawk Statue.

The riverboat, which ties up at Maxson’s Riverside Restaurant, offers a perfect setting for every occasion

also available on the boat.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800468-4222.

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RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 7

White Pines State Park has plenty to appreciate Visitors and residents alike should take a close-up look at the White Pines State Park.

“You can’t appreciate the park by just driving by. You need to come on in,” said Site Superintendent Elmer Stauffer. “Take a look at its natural beauty and look over the construction of the lodge.”

Situated along the banks of the meandering Spring and Pine Creeks, the White Pines State Park offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty and a rich history.

The well-maintained park is a great place to picnic, hike, and fish, or relax and spend a few days.

Stauffer said a limited state budget for the last few years hasn’t kept his dedicated staff from presenting the park at its best.

“We’ve committed

ourselves to make the park look as nice as we can with what we have to work with,” he said. “We’re so fortunate to have such a beautiful park and we want people to enjoy it. Eat at the restaurant, visit the gift shop, stay at a cabin or overnight at the campground, hike our trails, bring your picnic basket, and throw in your fishing pole.”

The park lies in the heart of Sauk and Fox country and is rich in historic accounts of the warriors who resisted the efforts of settlers to drive them from their beloved Rock River Valley.

The lodge with its restaurant, gift shop, and guest cabins is one of the highlights of the park.

The lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and although it has undergone renovation over the years,

the historic flavor of the log cabin lodge has been maintained.

The original stone and timbers were retained and the new features were blended to enhance the original structure.

Stauffer said the staff at the park has been increasingly coordinating services with the inn, which is managed by Beth Henderson.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with dinner theaters March through December.

“They do an outstanding job in behalf of the park,” Stauffer said.

A natural gas-powered generator installed this spring ensures that the lodge area will have electric power even after storms.

Stauffer praised the natural beauty of the 385acre park with its tall trees,

wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and the two creeks which run through the park along towering limestone

bluffs.

One of the park’s most unique features is its fords.

Motorists can actually drive

through the creek at two shallow concrete fords on their way to the scenic picnic Turn to page 8

The Old Oak Shelter at White Pines State Park is located near the entrance of the popular park located between Oregon and Polo on Pines Road.

RANGER

8 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Trails, camping, wildlife all part of Pines From page 7 and camping areas.

The picnic areas have access to water, grills, and tables. Four shelters, two of which were built by the CCC and feature limestone fireplaces, are located in the picnic areas.

Playgrounds for the children are near the picnic areas along with ample space for outdoor games.

Two of the four shelters can be reserved on-line using the ReserveAmerica website, and the other two are first-come, first-served.

Reservations are no longer be taken through the park office.

For hikers, the park has seven trails that traverse the park. Each trail has posted levels of difficulties to aid hikers in choosing which trail to fit their skill level.

Hikers at the White Pines

State Park will find the going easier because of three new stairways completed in the last year.

The first, a 110-foot stairway, connects the lodge to the picnic area.

The trails range in length and are color-coded to assist hikers with orientation.

A nature trail with a limestone-screened path is accessible for the physically challenged.

When snow covers the ground, the trails are ideal for cross-country skiing.

Two trails are available for cross-country skiing totaling 4.5 miles of groomed trails when weather permits.

Fishing is also a popular pastime at the Pines, and anglers like to try their luck at catching catfish and smallmouth bass in the swiftmoving streams.

The park offers 103

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campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush toilet building.

Campsite hosts register guests and advise them of the rules and regulations, as well as what the park has to offer, Stauffer said.

Three sites, which are non-reservable, have electric hook-ups.

Sites are also available for the physically challenged.

Campsites may be reserved by visiting the ReserveAmerica website.

Availability is generally not a problem aside from holiday weekends.

There is an alcohol ban in the campground all year around. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.

Youth group campgrounds are also available.

Reservations are no longer accepted through the park office, but are available

using the ReserveAmerica website.

While pets are allowed in the park visitors are required to have proof of current rabies vaccination with them, and pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended.

Firewood must be purchased locally as most counties to the east fall into the quarantine areas for the non transportation of firewood due to the emerald ash borer. For more information visit www. illinoisEAB.com.

All laws and regulations are strictly enforced.

Park’s History When early settlers arrived in the 1830s, they found this 700-acre forest of untouched pines extending for a quarter of a mile along the east bank A young deer nibbles on a leaf at the White Pines State Turn to A9 Park located between Oregon and Polo on Pines Road.

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RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 9

Homegrown veggies now on White Pines Inn menu The already delectable menu at the White Pines Inn will have a homegrown healthy flair this year.

“We’re partnering with Belly Fire Farm just up the road from us. Our salads and vegetables will be freshly picked from their garden,” said inn operator Beth Henderson.

The inn is famous for its dinner theatre and Henderson has slotted tribute artists, musical comedies from May on, topped off the Midwest Dueling Pianos in November and “Scrooge the Comedy” in December.

For entertainment, good food, and comfortable overnight accommodations in a scenic, rustic setting the White Pines Inn can more than fill the bill.

“It feels like a really

good year coming on,” said Henderson.

Besides the dinner theatre, the inn features not only a restaurant with banquet facilities, but also a gift shop, and 16 modern log cabins for overnight stays in one of Illinois’ oldest state parks.

The restaurant, which serves home-style cuisine, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, six days a week, March through December.

Each Sunday, a buffet is served beginning at 8 a.m.

The gift shop, just a few steps from the restaurant’s front door offers a variety of items and sweet treats to remember your visit.

For overnight guests, 25 modern log cabins are situated near the lodge.

Each cabin boasts a

Park founded in 1927 From page 8 of Pine Creek.

With a view to preserving one of Illinois’ last stands of native white pines and one of the southernmost stands of white pines in the United States, a movement was started in the early part of the 20th century to set the area aside as a state park.

Through efforts of Ogle County nature lovers, a bill appropriating $30,000 for purchase of land was passed

by the legislature in 1903, but the measure was vetoed.

In 1927, however, they had more success, and the forest was acquired.

The park is located on Pines Road approximately midway between Oregon and Polo. To get there take Ill. 2 south in Oregon and turn right onto Pines Road and go eight miles to the park.

For more information about white Pines State Park call 815-946-3717.

Ogle County Fair July 29th - August 2nd Visit our website for more details www.oglecountyfair.com

queen-size log bed with a trundle bed underneath, and a private bath.

Modern conveniences include heat, air conditioning, phones, mini refrigerators and TVs. Thirteen are one-room cabins with open-beamed ceilings. Two of these are known as the “Sweetheart Cabins”, offering special amenities including champagne and a stocked refrigerator.

Twelve additional cabins are built in groups of four under one roof. Each one still offers a private entrance and bath, but there are inner connecting doors which makes them ideal for large families.

Pillows, blankets and towels are provided.

A natural gas-powered generator installed this

spring ensures that the lodge area will have electric power even after storms.

Across the road from

the park, Henderson offers more lodging at the Pine Creek Cabins, three rustic cabins designed especially for large families,

weddings, retreats, and groups.

Nearby on Pines Road Turn to page 11

White Pines Inn, located inside White Pines State Park, offers cabin rentals.

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RANGER

10 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Bison are helping prairie at Nachusa Grasslands Visitors to Ogle County will definitely want to take a short side trip to the Nachusa Grasslands to see their latest addition—bison.

As of mid-May, 11 bison calves have been born to the Grasslands’ herd, which arrived at the 3,500-acre prairie last October.

“It’s been super exciting ever since the bison arrived and we are already starting to see success from bison grazing,” said restoration ecologist Cody Considine.

“It looks like the bison are eating the grasses around the spring flowers and that’s pretty cool.”

While the buzz may be about the baby bison boom, the real excitement is what the grown ups are already doing to help restore the prairie.

Considine and other Grasslands volunteers and staff have have spent years and hundreds of hours pulling invasive plants, collecting prairie plants seeds, burning, and replanting the prairie.

So far, they have already seen prairie plants doing better based on where and what the bison are eating.

However, the study of the bison’s impact on the Grasslands will take several years to complete.

Bison were reintroduced to the Grasslands in October 2014 when Considine and Bill Kleiman, project director, and Grassland volunteers, made three trips totaling nearly 3,500 miles to transport cows and bulls from established herds in Iowa and South Dakota to the Grasslands.

The Grasslands’ herd is the first to live at a TNC preserve east of the Mississippi and also the first conservation herd in Illinois—with a primary purpose of helping the prairie thrive.

And so far, the bison seem

Above, the herd of bison, complete with calves, grazes at Nachusa Grasslands, located nine miles south east of Oregon.

be fitting well into their new home. The first calf was born in early April, followed by 10 soon after, bring the Grasslands’ herd to 41 members.

The Grasslands kiosk, located on Lowden Road, offers maps of the Grasslands including where the bison are located.

“People are excited about the bison. Now people can come here and learn more about what we do and how they can contribute. They may or may not be able to see the herd, depending on where they are at. This isn’t a zoo. These are wild animals,” said Considine.

Sometimes the herd can be seen grazing on the west side of Lowden Road or from the north side of Stone Barn Road or south from Flagg Road.

“Sometimes the herd is where we have planned to sweep weeds with our stewardship groups. When that happens we just go somewhere else. We’re trying not to influence their behavior,” he said.

Plans are underway to build a self-guided interpretive center along Lowden Road, south of the Grasslands headquarters barn, where visitors can learn about the prairie and, of course, the bison. Those additions could be added by 2016.

About the Bison For several months prior to the bison’s arrival, volunteers, staff, and contractors worked sideby-side putting up a 6-foot fence made with high tensile woven wire and reinforced with cast iron pipes and constructing a state-of-theart bison corral.

But the real foundation for getting a conservation herd of bison at the Grasslands started years ago and was accomplished through hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours that helped reshape the farmland back into a habitat that could again support bison.

The bison at the Grasslands came from TNC preserves like Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

The Nature Conservancy currently has 13 preserves with approximate 5,500 bison. Wind Cave bison are unique because they have not been bred with cattle.

They bison were released into smaller pastures until they gradually acclimated to their new 500-acre home in the North Bison Unit.

Eventually, there will be about 1,500 acres of land available to the herd.

Some are fitted with a GPS

chips that allow scientists to easily track them and study their habits. Microchips will also contain data about each animal including, age, weight, vacation history, and its DNA profile. How they graze and what they eat is also being studied.

Their diet is almost 99.9% grass. and that helps native forbs (flowers) thrive. For example, bison dung could help the Grasslands’ ornate box turtle population increase

and become healthier. The dung attracts beetles and turtles eat beetles. Bison’s grazing habits may give the turtles more lanes to walk, Considine said.

Visitor areas, yet to be built, will eventually provide areas where the general public may be able to see the conservation herd.

Programming will be added to help teach visitors about the bison and how they’ll help benefit the preserve.

Experience Grassland’s prairie The Nachusa Grasslands is much, much more than the new place where visitors can see bison roam.

Located between Oregon, Dixon, and Franklin Grove, Nachusa Grasslands offers visitors a glimpse at what the pioneers probably saw when their covered wagons ventured into Ogle County many years ago.

And the bison are helping complete that picture.

Located on Lowden Road on the Ogle-Lee County

line, the Grasslands has been restored as a native prairie largely through efforts by volunteers who remove nonnative plants and gather and sow the seeds of desirable wildflowers, bushes, and grasses.

Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the grasslands is the home of more than 700 native prairie plant species as well as many important birds, insects, and reptiles.

Starting in 1986 with the purchase of 250 acres, The

Nature Conservancy has gradually recreated a vision of 1800 when Illinois was a mosaic of prairie, savanna and wetlands.

In some areas, remnant prairie knobs were protected from the plow by an unfarmable overlay of St. Peter Sandstone.

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers have collected seed to replant former corn and bean fields.

Birds that can be found Turn to page 11

RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 11

See the prairie at Grasslands From page 10 there include grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels and Henslow’s sparrows.

The headquarters at Nachusa Grasslands is the Stewards Barn, a bank barn built in 1868 in Kane County and then dismantled and rebuilt at the grasslands.

The Grasslands hosts Autumn on the Prairie on the third Saturday in September each year. This year’s date is Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activities include guided tours of prairie and savannas on foot or by vehicle, horse-

drawn wagon rides, live music, kettle corn, raptor demonstrations, atlatl spear throwing, butterfly and turtle hunts, a children’s tent, and food.

To reach Nachusa Grasslands, take Daysville Road south from Oregon, then turn onto Lowden Road and continue south approximately six miles.

Watch for the signs.

The preserve is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.

A Prairie State Hike App is now available for smart phones.

When visiting Nachusa Grasslands, keep the following in mind: • An information kiosk is located at the visitor entrance on Lowden Road.

• Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.

• Bring a bottle of water.

• A Port-a-John is located by the visitor kiosk on Lowden Road.

• Hiking only, no pets, bikes, camping.

• You can hike on or off Visitors to Autumn on the Prairie at Nachusa Grasslands ride through the prairie on a trails, with the exception of horse drawn wagon during the 2014 event. the fenced bison area.

• No collecting of any kind.

Some public areas have sirens Emergency services are available to keep visitors and residents in Ogle County safe.

An outdoor warning system is in place with sirens to alert the public to approaching severe storms and other emergencies.

The public warning system alert is a straight sound blast for one to three minutes and will be sounded if a tornado is determined to be in the area.

The sirens are activated by the county’s 911 center.

The siren blast is meant to alert the public to go inside and tune in to a radio station or TV channel for more information on what kind of emergency is going on and what action to take.

If the siren goes off, don’t call 911 to find out what the emergency is. Turn on the TV or radio instead. or call

815-732-6666. Visitors need to be aware that the sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

Anyone camping in the county should ask about safety procedures at check-in.

The shower buildings at campsites are a good place to wait out a storm. If there are no buildings available find a low spot, like a ditch, without any power lines nearby.

Wedding packages offered at Inn From page 9 is the Wedding Canyon, where Henderson offers the full wedding package, from ceremony to reception complete with flowers, cakes, and photography.

Guests may also take

advantage of LaBranche, a banquet facility Henderson operates in Polo, seven miles away.

The facility, right on Ill. 26, can accommodate up to 375 people in the 6,000 square foot cedar building that

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was formerly the American Legion headquarters.

For more information about the White Pines Inn and facilities call 815-9463817 or visit the website at whitepinesinn.com.

Welcome to Clinton, Iowa

For detailed information about area events, see our community calendar online at clintoniowatourism.com.

To request a visitor guide, contact us at cvb@clintonia.com or 563.242.5702

Maxson’s Restaurant Rte. 2 North Oregon, IL 61061 815-732-6761 or 800-468-4222 Hours: Tues. - Fri. 11AM - 9PM Sat. 7AM - 9PM • Sun. 7AM -3 PM

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RANGER

12 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Castle Rock offers trails, fishing, and an overlook Castle Rock State Park, Ogle County’s largest state park at 2,000 acres, offers six miles of marked hiking trails, nearly two miles of bank fishing, a boat ramp, picnic areas, shelters, and plenty of flora and fauna.

And the park’s namesake, Castle Rock, offers visitors The public boat dock at Castle Rock State Park is located a birds-eye view of the Rock right off of Ill. 2, across from the park’s main entrance.

River Valley. may also see white pelicans shelters, grills, playground Castle Rock, the atypical as they pass through on areas, and toilets. Old element to this 27-year-old migration.

Orchard is handicapped park, is a large sandstone A parking lot at the base accessible. bluff on the west side of the of the overlook is a good Located at the southern Rock River just off of Ill. starting point to hike to the edge of the park is a small 2—the scenic state highway top of the overlook. wetland. Throughout the The overlook at Castle Rock State Park offers a great view of the Rock River Valley. that passes through the park.

The boat ramp is open year, migrating birds can be Visitors can also see Lowden-Miller State Forest from this vantage point.

Hikers can reach the deck anytime the river is safe to spotted here. on the top of Castle Rock by enter. Parking for vehicles “We’ve already had a few by Native Americans for In 1964, the Natural During the summer a series of steps, where they and boat trailers is available months, canoe campers this year,” centuries before colonists Lands Institute, a non-profit red-winged are treated to a view of the at the boat launch.

Afflerbaugh said. from New England moved group, conducted a public blackbirds, great blue Rock River and surrounding Throughout the park, into the area in the early fundraising campaign to Many fisherman take their herons, wild turkey, geese, parklands. preserve part of the Castle boats out in the river to try frogs, and white-tailed deer hikers and cross country 1800s.

“Our overlook is their luck at catching catfish are common visitors. skiers have six miles of trails The area was first proposed Rock area. It was dedicated especially popular in the fall and other species that call the A primitive campsite, that are available year round. as a state park by the Friends as a state park in 1978. when the trees turn color,” river home.

Hunting of squirrel, wild of Our Native Landscape in For more information, call accessible only by canoe, said site superintendent turkey and deer is allowed 1921.

815-732-7329.

On the other side of offers 10 individual Grant Afflerbaugh.

Ill. 2 are hiking trails, campsites and a group in sections of the park From the overlook, picnic shelters, meadows, campsite, along with picnic during designated seasons. visitors can view the river woodlands, wetlands, and a tables, ground grills, and Hikers should check the to the north and south and 710-acre nature preserve. a portable toilet during informational kiosk at the Lowden Miller State Forest, parking lot for hunting hours There are three designated summer months. located on the opposite shore picnic shelters in the park.

The campground is closed before heading out on their of the river.

Two of them can be reserved during the winter months trek.

Many bird species for a fee. Picnic tables are and during periods of high The region where the can be viewed from the also placed throughout the water. park is now was inhabited Y overlook including eagles park, including some along WE BU in the winter and American the river at the boat launch GUNS! redstarts, orioles, bluebirds, and below the overlook. and turkey vultures in the The picnic areas are Valley summer months.

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Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 13

Plenty of trails await at Lowden-Miller State Forest Twenty-two miles of trails through deep woods makes Lowden-Miller State Forest a favorite of nature enthusiasts, including the four-legged ones.

“Our trails for horseback riding and for hiking are ready,” said site superintendent Grant Afflerbaugh. “The turkey season ended Thursday (May 14) so the state forest is now open sunrise to sunset every day.”

Trails vary in length and difficulty, and ample parking is provided for horse trailers.

Restroom facilities are not readily available.

The trails are also open during the wintertime for cross country skiing. The forest also has hunting seasons for squirrel, turkey, and deer.

Summer hikers and

bird watchers will not be disappointed.

In the spring, the forest rings with bird calls as many migratory species make their way back north from their winter homes.

Birders can see a variety of warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks, and if they’re really lucky, an occasional pilated woodpecker. Great blue herons, turkey vultures, wild turkey, and owls also live in the forest.

Visitors to the park can see wildlife and wildflowers from just about any of the forest’s hiking trails.

For the past several years eagles have nested near the property and vigilant birders may get a glimpse of a bald eagle chick taking its maiden flight.

Bald eagles can be easily seen in the winter months as

they travel the Rock River snaring fish from the open water areas north and south of the dam in Oregon.

The state forest is located on the east bank of the Rock River directly across from Castle Rock State Park.

Last fall, its 2,300 acres was expanded by 65 with the purchase of the former Sinnissippi Forest Christmas tree lot and office site.

Trails begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots.

Information boxes with brochures and maps are available at each trail head to help guide visitors.

Visitors can learn about some of the trees in the forest on the Loggers Trail, a selfguided nature trail that is approximately one and a half miles long. It is accessible from parking lot one.

Each of the 35 stations

Wild turkeys raise their heads as they search for insects while in a field. Turkeys can been seen, and sometimes heard, in Ogle County’s state parks and state forest.

along the Loggers Trail offers information about the woodlands and shows how to identify trees, plants and animal tracks.

The trail honors the legacy of Frank O. Lowden who originally owned the

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river” or “troubled waters.”

The Lowdens embraced proper land usage and believed in reforestation to retard soil erosion.

Lowden’s farming operation incorporated Turn to page 14

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Lowden was the governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921.

He and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, called the tract “Sinnissippi Forest.”

Sinnissippi was a Native American term for “rocky

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RANGER

14 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Park district offers indoor and outdoor recreation A variety of indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities await visitors to the Oregon Park District.

With 10 parks, the Blackhawk Center, and the Nash Recreation Center there truly is something for everyone to do in the Oregon area.

“We have been busy for months pulling together all the details for a jam packed summer of programs and events,” said Oregon Park District Executive Director Erin Folk. “Spring and summer programs are already in full swing, but the official kick off to our summer special events will be June 9.”

The park district will host the Rock River Community Bike Night at Park West from 5 to 7 p.m. in on Tuesday, June 9 followed by the first concert in the park.

The bike night is a great opportunity for participants to learn about bike safety and participate in bike safety obstacles.

Free bike helmets will also be distributed to the first 50 kids in attendance “The bike night is made possible by a number of gracious partners who have donated time and funds to make this opportunity for our community achievable,” said

Folk.

An annual tradition held in the park district is the Slamn-Jam. This event held June 13 is a full Saturday of fun beginning with Touch-aTruck.

Held at the Blackhawk Center parking lot, Toucha-Truck includes hands on displays of small and large trucks for the family to enjoy.

This year the Illinois Child Identification Program will be located by the police vehicles.

Later in the day a bag tournament will be held at Oregon Park West along with a celebrity softball game.

New this year is a geocaching event during Slam-n-Jam. Nash Recreation Center is home to a 25-meter indoor pool that is used for lap swimming, open swimming, swimming lessons, and aquatic exercise classes.

The pool is open six days a week in the summer and seven days a week during the winter.

A hot tub is located by the pool.

Nash also has a 6,000 square foot fitness center featuring a three-lane track, cardio equipment and free weight equipment.

The park board has approved new equipment for

the fitness center.

Fifteen new strength machines have been ordered and are expected to be installed in June.

“The new machines will replace the existing strength machines which were purchased almost 20 years ago,” said Folk. “This will be a great addition to the fitness center and provide a plethora of opportunities for our users.”

Nash also has basketball courts, a racquetball court, and meeting rooms.

There is a daily fee to use Nash or a variety of punch cards and membership opportunities are available.

Oregon parks feature shelters that can accommodate between 20 and 120 and are available to rent for picnics and activities.

Rental fees are listed in the park district activity guide posted online at www. oregonpark.org.

The guide is released twice each year.

The park district’s Wiggly Field dog park is located at the southern edge of the Park West boardwalk.

Dogs and their owners can enjoy the amenities of the gated park. A valid membership tag for the dog is required.

The annual Wiggly Wag &

From page 13 operation incorporated native hardwoods, pasture, and sandy farmland. He also experimented with planting white pines and other tree species on the property.

The earliest plantings of white pines were prior to 1910 and are believed to be the oldest in the state.

The Illinois Department of Conservation purchased 1,186 acres of land from Warren and Nancy Miller, descendants of

Lowden, in 1992 to establish the state forest.

Warren’s brother, Phillip, sold another 1,039 acres to the state in 1993.

The state forest is named in honor of the former Lowden and his two grandsons, Warren and Philip Miller.

In January, the State of Illinois bought 64 more acres of the former Sinnissippi Forest tree farm to add to the state forest.

The purchase provides

access to the eastern part of the forest. The former retail sales area of the tree farm, located on Lowden Road, was included in the purchase.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will use the buildings on the site for satellite offices and equipment storage.

While camping facilities are not available at LowdenMiller State Forest, but other nearby state sites offer them, including Lowden State Park

The Oregon Park District’s Splash Park is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day.

Walk will be held on July 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Every Saturday the Oregon Park District holds a farmers market on the Ogle County Courthouse lawn.

The market is Saturdays from June 6 through Oct. 31.

Hours of the market are 8:30 a.m. to noon.

“This program has definitely grown over the past few years and provides shoppers with

an opportunity to buy plants, vegetables, crafts, and a number of other items sold by our quality vendors,” said Folk.

Throughout the year the activity guide informs visitors

of a variety of activities.

Nash is located at 304 S. Fifth Street, Oregon. Call 815732-3101 or visit oregonpark. org to view all the for additional information.

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For more information on Lowden Miller State Forest, call 815-732-7329.

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Farmers Markets offer fresh produce all summer Tickle your taste buds this summer with fresh-picked homegrown vegetables and fruit available at several Farmers Markets in Ogle County.

Besides produce right from the garden, the markets also feature a variety of homemade baked goods and other food items made locally.

Before settling down for an evening of good music at Mt. Morris’ Friday Night Concerts take a trip to the Farmers Market just down the block at the corner of Ill. 64 (Hitt Street) and Wesley Avenue.

The market is open from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday night beginning June 5.

Oregon’s Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Oregon Park District, sets up every Saturday

morning from 8:30 to noon starting June 6 through the end of October on the north side of the Ogle County Courthouse Lawn.

This market is also open on Tuesday evenings in June and July at Oregon park West before the park district’s 7 p.m. band concerts.

Fresh garden produce is available in Forreston on Friday mornings in the parking lot on the south side of the public library on Ill. 26 in the downtown.

Polo’s Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. beginning in July and running through mid-October.

The market is located on Ill. 26 in the city lot south of the Shell Express Lane.

In Byron, the Farmers Market will

be held every Saturday beginning July 18 through mid-October from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the United Church of Byron, at the corner of Second and Colfax Streets.

Fresh produce and other food items can also be purchased at other times and places.

Maple syrup, maple candies, and even maple dog treats are available at Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, Mt. Morris, year-round while supplies last.

During maple syrup season, generally mid-February to midMarch, you can watch the syrupmaking process from start to finish as Rob and Lynnette Hough collect the sap from local trees and cook it down to syrup in their sugar house.

For more information call 815-

734-6006.

If you’re looking for a unique and health-enhancing taste treat, try the aronia berries grown at BerryView Orchard, just outside Mt. Morris.

Jeff and Julie Warren are raising the native, but little known berries at their 20-acre orchard, which also features apples, pears, cherries, and apricots.

The back-purple fruit is noted for being high in anti-oxidants and provides various health benefits.

The Warrens have used the berries to make wine, jellies, and various baked goods.

For more information call 815734-7551.

For fresh, chemical-free garden produce, try Belly Fire Farm, a biointensive, organic farm near the

White Pines State Park.

Adolfo Parra and Danica Hoehn grow more than 30 crops – vegetables, herbs, greens, berries and melons – in a small space without the use of conventional fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides.

The couple use the communitysupported agriculture model on their farm, which means people who have bought shares in the farm reap the fruits of the land, either weekly or biweekly, depending on their share.

On Saturdays from June to September, they also have a farm stand where they sell their farmfresh produce, as well as handmade milk soaps, and body butters.

For more information call 815916-9866.

Midway Theater offers blast from the past with 2015 amenities The Midway Drive In offers visitors a blast from the past with modern-day technology to boot.

For 65 years, this popular outdoor movie theater has offered the perfect venue to watch movies from your vehicle or lawn chair during summer months.

Mike and Mia Kerz operate the theater as a labor of love.

“A drive-in represents the 50s and the 60s when family units were so tight,” said

2015

Mike. “It is special spending a night with your family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.”

At the drive-in, visitors have the opportunity to see two first-run movies for one admission price.

The concession stand serves up a variety of treats including pizza, burgers, popcorn, and soft drinks, including Green River sodas.

Outside, the speaker boxes of old have been retired enabling moviegoers to

CARROLL August COUNTY FAIR 4-8

listen to the audio through their car’s stereo through a FM radio frequency.

“Drive-ins are modern with digital picture and sound,” said Mike. “You control the sound and can tailor it to the way you want.

You can hear everything.”

The Midway screen measures 90 feet wide, which is larger than most indoor screens.

“It combines the best of the past and the future,” he said.

Visit our ATM location at:

451 N. Main Ave. Milledgeville

For weekly showtimes visit www.themidwaydrivein.net.

The theaters Facebook page is linked from the website.

The theater is located at 91 Palmyra Road, Dixon, about 15 miles southwest of White Pines State Park.

The Midway Drive In is open on weekends throughout the summer and fall.

As a special treat, the drive in hosts an annual Dusk ‘Til Dawn Horror Movie The Midway Drive In Theater features a 90-foot screen.

Marathon each fall.

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RANGER

16 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Byron Forest Preserve offers lots of action for outdoor enthusiasts The Byron Forest Preserve offers a wide variety of activities and venues for the outdoor enthusiast.

The Jarrett Prairie Center has a natural history museum that is open every day.

This is a free educational facility with hands-on exhibits. Visitors will also be able to visit with Pebbles and Gigi, the center’s resident box turtles.

The Weiskopf Observatory has a 11-inch Celestron telescope through which visitors can view the faintest objects in the sky. There is a free, weekly public skyviewing.

The Heritage Farm Museum

was a working farm in 1843.

The replica house is now a museum with wonderful exhibits that show how people lived.

The restored farm buildings and antique equipment illustrate what early country life was all about.

The PrairieView Golf Club is a public 18-hole championship golf course that has been rated with four stars by Golf Digest.

This course has bent grass tees, greens, and fairways.

PrairieView also offers a full service practice facility, equipment rental, fully stocked pro shop, dining area and bar, lessons, and handicap services.

The Keller Education

Center a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified platinum building.

It is one of only three platinum certified education buildings in the State of Illinois.

The building houses our preschool program where children learn kindergarten readiness skills along with outdoor education and recycling.

The Nardi Equine Prairie Preserve, being restored into prairie, includes a trail system for horseback riding.

For more information, call the preserve at 815234-8535 or visit www. The Jarrett Nature Center at the Byron Forest Preserve offers visitors hands-on natural history exhibits. byronforestpreserve.com.

Ample opportunities for anglers available on scenic Rock River The Rock River is the perfect place for anglers looking to try their luck in Ogle County.

In Ogle County, the river runs through Byron, Oregon, and Grand Detour and through Castle Rock State Park and Lowden-Miller State Forest.

But one of the most popular locations to fish is at the dam in Oregon where catfish is king.

Rock River Outfitters, located below the Oregon dam on the east bank of the Rock River, offers a wide selection of bait and tackle to help every fisherman has the

resources needed to catch their prize.

“Come see our large selection of live bait,” said O.K. Welty. “The cooler holds wax worms, red worms, big reds, ‘Nitro’ crawlers and night crawlers. You can’t catch fish with a dry line.”

Jig heads and twister tails in a wide variety of weights and colors are ready for walleye season. Hooks, line and bobbers in many sizes and styles should also meet fishermen needs for local river, stream and pond fishing.

The store also has a wide selection of accessories for hunting and

shooting sports as well as outdoor activities.

Rock River Outfitters also has a 24-hour bait and tackle vending machine outside the business.

Fishing licenses are required in Illinois. An Illinois residential fishing license is $15 and a Social Security number is required on the application.

Fishing licenses are also available at Rock River Outfitters, 114 N. River Road. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information, call 815732-9999.

Festivals offer fun all season long Summer Daze June 5-7 The festival season in Ogle County kicks off with the annual Leaf River Summer Daze.

For more information visit www. leafriversummerdaze.org.

The Rock River offers many places to fish from its shoreline. Anglers should not wade out into the river to fish due to deadly currents and undertows.

German Valley Days June 12-14 The festival kicks off with the

Little Miss and Mister pageant followed by the German Valley talent show in Ben Miller Park.

Throughout the weekend a variety of events will be held including a 5K Walk/Run and Mile Fun Run, car show, punt, pass and kick competition, and the annual parade through town.

Town & County Days

June 18-21 Polo’s annual festival returns for another fun-filled extended weekend.

On Thursday night the fireworks display will be held at dusk at the Polo High School football field.

Visit www.polodays.org for a complete festival schedule.

Turn to page 17

RANGER

Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 17

For glimpse into county’s past visit local museums Museums in Ogle County offer visitors a change to take an educational break from travels and learn about the community.

The Ogle County Historical Society operates the Ruby Nash Home and Museum and is filled with artifacts from Oregon and Ogle County.

The museum is open every Sunday from May 3 through Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum is also open on the following Saturdays: Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Nov. 28.

As always, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays.

The museum is also open by appointment. Contact oglecohistory@frontier.com to schedule an appointment.

For a complete schedule of dates, times, and special events, visit www. oglecountyhistoricalsociety.

com The Polo History Museum offers an in depth look in the history of Polo and the surrounding area.

Featured exhibits in the museum include a 3,000 piece M.E. Schryver Native American artifacts collection, the Tri-County Press display, and a history of the White Pines State Park.

The Polo Historical Society runs the historic 1853 Aplington House at 123 N. Franklin Ave. This house was the home of Polo’s founder Zenas Aplington, who was a successful merchant in Polo, an Illinois State Senator, and friend of Abraham Lincoln.

To schedule a visit to the museum or Aplington home call 815-946-4142 or email museum curator Betty Obendorf at bettyo@essex1.

com.

The Mt. Morris Historical Museum, in the basement of the village hall at 105 W. Lincoln St., has added new exhibits created from items received from the former Kable Printing Company.

Mt. Morris High School memorabilia and annuals are a highlight for class reunion tours.

Another exhibit features Robert Roberts Hitt, a Congressman during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Abraham Lincoln visited Hitt at his rural home.

Other displays feature the Mt. Morris visit by Ronald Reagan in 1963 to dedicate the original campus freedom bell.

The museum also has a large collection of Mt. Morris College annuals, photos and news articles.

Contact the village hall at 815-734-6425 or Jerry Stauffer at 815-734-6627 to arrange a tour.

The museum is also open on election days and over the 4th of July.

See www.mtmorrisil.net for more museum information and photos.

A glimpse into the history of northern Ogle County is offered at the Byron Museum Admission is free and group tours are available by calling.815-234-5031.

Permanent exhibits include a train display, outhouse treasures, and baseball history.

Baseball great A.G. Visitors to the quilt show at the Byron Museum look at Spalding was born in Byron, this quilt of a dog resting on a chair. played professional baseball, The Leaf River Historical and started the Spalding Byron.

Visit www.byronmuseum. Museum is located on Ill. 72 sporting goods company.

The museum is located at org for a complete list of in the former Church of the United Brethren in Christ.

Ill. 2 and Ill. 72 in downtown exhibits and events.

Learn how blacksmith John Deere changed agricultural history Visitors to the John Deere Historic Site can learn how one man changed agricultural history.

This historic educational attraction, is home to John Deere’s original Illinois homestead and blacksmith shop where he built his first

“self-scouring” plow.

Deere was a blacksmith from Vermont who in 1836 set up shop in Grand Detour, located along the Rock River nine miles south of Oregon.

After meeting many farmers who were discouraged by their efforts

to cultivate the sticky Midwestern prairie soil, Deere came up with an answer by designing a selfscouring, highly polished, and properly shaped steel plow.

His efforts eventually led to the company that still

bears his name today.

The home Deere built still stands, and the historic site has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, and a Historic Landmark of Agricultural Engineering by the American

Society of Agricultural Engineers.

Tour guides provide an entertaining and educational perspective of life on the prairie in the atmosphere of a friendly 19th century prairie village.

The site is funded and

managed by the John Deere Foundation. It opened to the public in 1964.

In 1963, an archaeological team from the University of Illinois unearthed the exact location of the blacksmith shop where John Deere Turn to page 19

Festivals offer family fun throughout the summer and fall From page 16 Let Freedom Ring July 3-5 A traditional Mt. Morris is the Let Freedom Ring Festival.

One of the biggest draws to the patriotic-themed festival is the annual 4th of July fireworks show which begins at dusk.

For more information visit www.letfreedomringfestival. com.

ByronFest July 10-12

During the second weekend in July Byron hosts its annual festival for the community and visitors.

For more information visit byronfest.businesscatalyst. com.

Ogle County Fair July 29-Aug. 2 The annual Ogle County Fair will continue to offer livestock exhibits, 4-H and open shows, along with a variety of entertainment at family-friendly prices.

The fair is held at the Ogle County Fairgrounds just off Ill. 64 on Lime Kiln Road a mile west of Oregon.

For more information visit www.oglecountyfair.com.

Sauerkraut Days July 31-Aug. 2 This event brings an old Forreston festival back to the limelight.

Ill. Renewable Energy & Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug. 22-23

This annual event is held the third weekend in August at the Ogle County Fairgrounds.

For anyone concerned with the environment, more than 100 exhibitors and 60 workshops, all toward saving energy and protecting the environment will be on display during this event.

Visit www.illinoisrenew. org for more information.

Fall Festival Sept. 26-27 Each September Stillman

Valley hosts a festival in the community.

The annual event includes a craft show, car show, tractor show, horticulture show, and fireworks.Visit www. stillmanvalleyfallfestival. com for the most up to date schedule of events.

Autumn on Parade Oct. 3-4 Ogle County’s biggest and most colorful festival revolves around the picturesque Ogle County Courthouse in

downtown Oregon.

For more information turn page 18 or visit www. autumnonparade.org Candlelight Walk Nov. 28 The holiday shopping season kicks off in Oregon during the annual Candlelight Walk.

The evening features the arrival of St. Nick, holiday bargains, music, treats, and horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown.

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18 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

Old and new all part of 45th Autumn on Parade A couple of new activities have been sprinkled into this year’s Autumn on Parade and more could be on the way, as the popular festival marks its 45th anniversary.

“We’ve added a couple of new events already and we are working on having a couple more,” said Autumn on Parade president Marseyne Snow. “We hope to have some additional announcements soon.”

The theme for the popular two-day event is “Flashback to the 1970s”.

“The first Autumn on Parade festival was held in 1970 so we are hoping to celebrate that milestone,” Snow said.

Crafts and collectibles, an Olde English Faire, a parade with marching bands and floats, strolling entertainers, and lots of good treats to eat are just some of the usual staples of this year’s festival, slated for Oct. 3 and 4 in Oregon.

The two-day event has evolved into one of the most popular and largest festivals in northwestern Illinois – and most of its attractions are free.

The heart of the festival is the Farmers Market and Craft Fair that features upward of 170 vendors who sell a variety of arts and crafts ranging from handmade wood items to homemade baked breads.

Booths are set up around the lawn of the historic Ogle County Courthouse and surrounding streets on both Saturday and Sunday.

Ornamental produce, locally produced honey, jewelry, soaps, candles, antiques, seasonal items, and homemade pies are just a few of the hundreds of items that can be found throughout the show.

Visitors to Autumn on

Parade can also partake of a variety of scrumptious treats in the Food Court, where local not-for-profit organizations prepare their specialties each year.

Apple fritters, pork chop and ribeye sandwiches, funnel cakes, bratwurst, kettle corn, and gyros are just some of the items offered.

The festival is one of the major fundraising events for most of the agencies and groups that are in the food court.

On Saturday, themed performers will stroll the courthouse lawn.

One of the new events for 2015 is a crossfit competition on Saturday.

“We are partnering with Crossfit Rock River for this one-day, two-person team competition,” said Snow.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. on Jefferson Street in front of the Oregon Public Library.

The WOD (Workout of the Day) will be announced two weeks prior to the event.

Registration for this new even will open soon.

Big Wheel Races will also be back for the festival.

Details are still being worked on for that event.

On Sunday, Autumn on Parade’s annual Harvest Time parade will march through the streets of Oregon. The annual event, which has about 125 entries each year, is known as one of the most entertaining parades in the region.

Entertainment this year includes The Jesse White Tumblers and South Shore Chicago Drill Team.

Marching bands, clowns, queens and local floats also participate in the parade.

South Shore will also perform a post parade show following the parade.

Other Autumn on Parade

events include: Olde English Faire at Stronghold Castle Step back in time to see what life might have been like during the Renaissance The Olde English Faire will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The gates close at 4 p.m.

Events include tours of Stronghold Castle, where visitors can explore the Great Hall, the library with a ceiling painted by Russian artist Nicholas Kasaroff, the Rumpelstiltskin room and, of course, a secret passageway, hidden in one of the rooms.

Faire weekend is the only time that the Castle is open for tours without reservations.

There is an admission fee for this event. Shuttle service is offered from downtown Oregon on Saturday only.

For more information, call the Stronghold Conference Center, 815-732-6111 or visit: www.strongholdcenter. org.

Tractor Classic The 23rd annual Autumn on Parade Antique Tractor Classic will be held at Oregon Park East on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This event showcases the rich agriculture heritage in Ogle and other northern Illinois counties.

Max Armstrong’s antique Farmall tractors will be on exhibit at the show, as well as a gasoline engine exhibit on Saturday.

Visitors will see restored and, sometimes, unrestored farm tractors as well as gas engine exhibits. Owners are invited to register by 9 a.m.

Saturday.

Exhibits of lawn and garden tractors are also welcome.

For more information, call

Floats are always popular at Autumn on Parade’s Harvest Time Parade, held on the Sunday of the festival. This year’s theme is “Flashback to the 1970s”.

Stan Eden at 815-732-7746.

Chana School Museum Historic Chana School, also located in Oregon Park East, will be open for tours on Saturday.

The two-room rural schoolhouse was built in nearby Chana in 1883 and moved to Oregon Park East, where it was restored by local volunteers.

The Chana School Museum opened in the fall of 2003. In December 2005, the school was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This unique V-shaped building is not your typical rural schoolhouse. Inside, visitors will find cloak rooms with curved walls, decorative pressed tin walls and ceilings, and fancy carved woodwork painted in Victorian colors.

Fun Zone Kids can bounce and giggle to their heart’s content on inflatables and other attractions. This event A stiltwalker performs during the 2014 Autumn on Parade Turn to page 19 festival in Oregon. Strolling entertainers can be seen in the Farmers’ Market and Craft Fair on Saturday.

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Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 19

Plenty to do and see at 45th annual Autumn on Parade From page 18 is located in the Fifth Street parking lot, just north of the courthouse square.

Wristbands are required for this event, but are good for the entire day.

Grab some co-workers, The ducks will be released friends, or family and down Franklin Street near sign up for the Corporate the Oregon dam on Sunday Team Challenge allowing afternoon, following the participants to enter as a team Harvest Time Parade. (minimum of 4/ maximum of The family-oriented 15 per team). festival is planned and Participants may use one operated by volunteers. of three registration options “Our volunteers donate to sign up for the event: their time and energy each online, mail in form, or race year to make sure this day.

P r e - r e g i s t r a t i o n popular festival continues,” by mail will be offered for said Snow. forms received by Sept.

For more information, 24 for a fee of $20 for 5K visit www.autumnonparade. individual participants and org or call 815-732-3465.

The Ogle County Beef Producers is one of the local not-for-proift organizations that $18/registrant for the 5K has a food booth in the Autumn on Parade Food Court.

Corporate Challenge.

See the AOP website for a print out of the 5K course or find it on our Facebook page leisure hours.

Site will host several special or FREE with non-perishable “Autumn on Parade 5K”. For From page 17 Another popular highlight events this year including: donation for the local food additional information about worked in the early 1800s of the site is the re-creation of the June Jam music festival, pantry. the race, email AOP5krun@ and invented the self-scouring Deere’s original blacksmith Sunday, June 21; Green Picnic lunches are gmail.com . steel plow. shop that lets visitors see what Iron Days, Friday, July 31 - encouraged (No alcoholic The location has been a blacksmith shop would have Sunday, Aug. 2; and Grand beverages) Duck Dash preserved, with an exhibit looked more than a century Detour Arts Festival, Sunday, Green Iron Days: Friday Three thousand ducks, hall built around it. There, ago.

Sept. 13.

July 31 0 Sunday, Aug. 2 each carrying its own visitors can listen in as Several times during a The site can also be rented Variety of early model number, are available for John Deere describes his daily day, a resident blacksmith to groups for special events John Deere tractors and adoption at local businesses events and how the blacksmith demonstrates what it takes throughout the season. equipment on display, 9 a.m. before the festival weekend. shop was operated by Deere to be a skilled ironworker.

The site is open Wednesday - 5 p.m. daily Here’s how it works: Each and his apprentices.

Works created by the resident through Sunday from 9 a.m. to Admission for the Day: $5 duck has a number ascribed Deere’s home, built in 1836, blacksmith are sold in the 5 p.m. or FREE with non-perishable to his/her bottom. Adoptive is another main attraction site’s gift shop, located next to Admission is $5 for ages 12 donation for the local food parents fill out a form that gives visitors an glimpse the Deere home. and older. pantry. designating that duck based of pioneer life. Visitors Custom ironwork can be For more information, call Grand Detour Arts Festival: on his/her number. The duck will see rooms as the Deere done on request. The gift 815-652-4551 or visit www. Sunday, Sept. 13 is then placed in the Duck family would have known shop also offers a selection JohnDeereAttractions.com.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dash race line-up. them, furnished with period of clothing, hats, and other June Jam: Sunday, June 21 Admission for the Day: $3 The first 10 ducks that household items showing how John Deere Historic Site Local musicians featuring a or FREE with non-perishable make it over the Rock River pioneers cooked, cleaned, merchandise. variety of music, Noon-5 p.m. donation for the local food dam on the day of the race bathed, and spent their few The John Deere Historic Admission for the Day: $5 pantry. are the winners.

5k and Fun Run The Autumn on Parade 5k Run and 1-Mile Fun Run will be on Sunday morning.

One-mile runners will begin the day at 8 am followed by the 5K participants at approximately 8:30 a.m.

The 1 Mile Fun Run will go around the perimeter of the high school starting at Jefferson and Hawk Drive to 10th Street to Adams and back to Hawk Drive to the finish where all participants will receive a participation ribbon.

Registration for 1 Mile Fun Run is $10 and all preregistered applicants will receive a Fun Run t-shirt (registered no later than Sept. 24).

As for the 5K, all the same amenities that race goers have come to love will be available again for the Autumn on Parade 5K-music, premium t-shirts, good food, shower facilities, plenty of parking, awards, chip timing

by RealTiming, Inc., and post race massages provided

by Alpine Chiropractic and Natural Medicine, PC.

Visitors can see where Deere invented his plow

2204 N. 2nd Street Clinton, IA 52732 563-243-2296

Open 10-5 Tues. - Sun. Closed Monday in the Historic Ball Mansion Email us at: thebspoke@gmail.com m

Wide variietty of f quality goods

& JS

Monday Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 4pm

Antiques

8,000 sq. ft.

Exit 45 on I-80, Manlius, Illinois 61338 • 815-454-2066

145th WHITESIDE C COUNTY FAIR AUGUST 18-22, 2015 Morrison, IL $115,000 in Premiums www.whitesidecountyfair.org

RANGER

20 • Thursday, May 21, 2015

2015

AUTUMN ON PARADE OCTOBER 3&4 • OREGON, IL

Stay Tuned for Additional Events & Activities

as We Celebrate Our

45th Anniversary

FLASHBACK he to t

’s

Artisans, Crafters & Farmers’ Market 170+ vendors offering homemade, homegrown and collectible items.

Booths are located around the historic Ogle County Courthouse.

Stronghold’s Olde English Faire Castle tours, madrigal singers, strolling musicians, crafts & storytellers. Admission fee charged. Held North of Oregon

Harvest Time Parade • Sunday 1PM Musical, float and novelty units are all part of this popular event.

Including the Southshore Drill Team and Jesse White Tumblers.

As Well As Other Events Too! Kids Fun Zone • Antique Tractor Show • 50/50 Raffle • Big Wheel Races CrossFit Competition • 5K Run • Duck Dash • Strolling Entertainers

815-732-3465 • www.autumnonparade.org