OCN_Ranger 2023_052623

2023 RANGER

Things to See. Places to Go. • Ogle County

White Pines State Park offers plenty of family fun

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.

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 was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and although it has undergone renovations 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.

The 385-acre park has tall trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, with Pine Creek running 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 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

2023 SEASON

June 1-11

June 15-25

hikers in choosing which trail to fit their skill level.

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.

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

The park offers 103 campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush toilet building.

See WHITE PINES, page 4

June 29-July 9

July 14-16

July 20-30

August 3-13

August 17-27

September 8-10 & 14-17

December 1-3 & 7-10

There are two fords through Pine Creek which autos can use to access the interior of White Pines State Park.

Footbridges allow hikers to cross over Pine Creek inside White Pines State Park.

Camping is just one of the attractions of White Pines State Park.

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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.

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 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 Illinois Route 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 or visit dnr.state.il.

Campsites, Black Hawk Statue, hiking trails... all part of Lowden State Park

Natural beauty, camping, picnicking, fishing and a historical statue await visitors to Lowden State Park.

The park’s most well-known feature is the Black Hawk Statue, which was recently refurbished.

Created by sculptor Lorado Taft more than a century ago as a tribute to Native Americans, 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 second-largest concrete monolithic statue in the world.

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

Hometown Spirit

Hometown Spirit

toilets and litter cans.

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,

See LOWDEN, page 5

The White Pines Lodge was constructed in by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The Black Hawk Statue is located in the state park, overlooking the Rock River.

Castle Rock State Park offers view of the Rock River

Castle Rock is Ogle County’s largest state park at 2,000 acres. It 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 a birds-eye view of the Rock River Valley.

Castle Rock, the atypical element to this 27-year-old park, is a large sandstone bluff on the west side of the Rock River just off of Ill. 2—the scenic state highway that passes through the park.

Hikers can reach the deck on the top of Castle Rock by a series of steps, where they are treated to a view of the Rock River and surrounding parklands.

The overlook is especially popular in the fall when the trees turn color.

From the overlook, visitors can view the river to the north and south and Lowden Miller State Forest, located on the opposite shore of the river.

Many bird species can be viewed from the overlook including eagles in the winter and American redstarts, orioles, herons, bluebirds, and turkey vultures in the summer months.

In the spring, visitors may also see white pelicans as they pass through on migration.

A parking lot at the base of the overlook is a good starting point to hike to the top of the overlook.

The boat ramp is open anytime the river is safe to enter. Parking for vehicles and boat trailers is available at the boat launch.

Many fisherman take their boats out in the river to try their luck at catching catfish and other species that call the river home.

LOWDEN

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a full-sized bed and electricity.

Also available, are 38 Class B/S campsites which do not offer electricity, but do have access to showers.

For the true wilderness experience, there are 8 Class D primitive hike-in only campsites.

Contact park staff upon arrival for a camping permit.

For hikers, almost four miles of foot trails lead visitors through the natural wonders and beauty of the park.

The scenic Rock River flows beside the park offering ample fishing and boating opportunities. A launching ramp and boat docks across the river from the park on Illinois Route 2 give boaters an ideal spot to get into the water for fishing or water skiing.

The boat launch is in its fifth year

On the other side of Ill. 2 are hiking trails, picnic shelters, meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and a 710-acre nature preserve.

There are three designated picnic shelters in the park. Two of them can be reserved for a fee. Picnic tables are also placed throughout the park, including some along the river at the boat launch and below the overlook.

The picnic areas are Valley View, Old Orchard, and Aspen Ridge. Each include shelters, grills, playground areas, and toilets. Old Orchard is handicapped accessible.

Located at the southern edge of the park is a small wetland. Throughout the year, migrating birds can be spotted here.

and has proved popular.

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

During the summer months, redwinged blackbirds, great blue herons, wild turkey, geese, frogs, and whitetailed deer are common visitors.

A primitive campsite, accessible only by canoe, offers 10 individual campsites and a group campsite, along with picnic tables, ground grills, and a portable toilet during summer months.

The campground is closed during the winter months and during periods of high water.

Throughout the park, hikers and cross country skiers have six miles of trails that are available year round.

Hunting of squirrel, wild turkey and deer is allowed in sections of the park during designated seasons. Hikers should check the informational

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 IDNR, matched that amount so that the former Eagles’ Nest land could be purchased as a memorial park.

In 1945, the 63rd General 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 year-round for conducting natural science classes in an outdoor setting.

The park is located on River Road, northeast of Oregon. To get there take Illinois Route 64 to River Road, just

kiosk at the parking lot for hunting hours before heading out on their trek.

The region where the park is now was inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before colonists from New England moved into the area in the early 1800s.

The area was first proposed as a state park by the Friends of Our Native Landscape in 1921.

In 1964, the Natural Lands Institute, a non-profit group, conducted a public fundraising campaign to preserve part of the Castle Rock area. It was dedicated as a state park in 1978.

The park is located approximately three miles south of Oregon.

For more information, call 815732-7329.

east of the Rock River bridge in Oregon. Turn north on River Road and go approximately one mile to the park. For more information about Lowden State Park call 815-732-6828 or visit dnr.state.il.

ABOVE LEFT: The overlook at Castle Rock State Park gives visitors a great view of the Rock River. ABOVE RIGHT: Two people paddle the Rock River to the public boat dock Castle Rock State Park.

Campsites in the main campground fill up quickly at Lowden State Park.

Lowden-Miller State Forest rich with history, wildlife

Hikers and bird watchers will love the 2,291-acre Lowden-Miller State Forest.

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.

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.

The park offers equestrian trails that vary in length and difficulty. Ample parking is provided for horse trailers. Restroom facilities are not

readily available.

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 self-guided nature trail that is approximately one and a half miles long. It is accessible from parking lot one.

Each of the 35 stations 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 property.

Lowden was the governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921. He and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, called the tract “Sinnissippi Forest.”

To reach the state forest from Oregon, take Daysville Road south to Lowden Road. Turn right on Lowden Road and then right on Nashua Road.

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

ABOVE: Deer stand in an open area near Lowden-Miller State Forest .BELOW: A great blue heron hunts for dinner at dusk.

Nachusa Grasslands home to birds, bees and bison

For a glimpse at what the pioneers saw when their covered wagons ventured over the rolling hills of Ogle County, take a trip to the Nachusa Grasslands.

Started almost two decades ago, with less than 700 acres of partially over-grazed pastures, the Nachusa Grasslands has grown to more than 4,100 acres of native prairie plants and wildlife.

Located on Lowden Road on the Ogle-Lee County line, the grasslands has been restored as a native prairie largely through the efforts of volunteers who remove non-native 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 100 species of birds and 500 native plants.

The preserve consists of large remnant prairie, woodlands, and wetlands being reconnected through habitat restoration to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois.

Working hand–in–hand with the Nature Conservancy staff, a dynamic community of volunteer stewards collect and plant seeds, manage invasive

species, repair wetlands, and conduct controlled burns in order to preserve, protect, and share this precious endangered ecosystem.

In October 2014, the Nachusa Grasslands were reintroduced to an old friend - the American bison. The

Nature Conservancy, which operates the Grasslands, brought 30 bison to the preserve and the herd is now close to 100 with more calves expected each spring.

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.

The event features various booths, demonstrations, tours of the grasslands and barn, crafts 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.

A visitor center at the Nachusa Grasslands is open to the public.

A portion of the bison herd with their calves rest on a hill at the Nachusa Grasslands. Sometimes the conservation herd can be seen along Lowden or Stone Barn roads surrounding the preserve.

Park District gets $3M grant for path to state park

The Oregon Park District has been awarded a $3 million grant to construct a shared-use path from Illinois Route 64 to Lowden State Park, which will give users access to the park and the downtown.

The 2023 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant will be used to build the 1.88-mile Rock River Heritage Trail, which will run along the eastern shoreline of the river within the rightof-way of the unmarked state highway, River Road and within Lowden State Park, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Obviously, [it’s] a $3.5 million project that we’re going to be getting $3 million from the state for, so [we’re] very excited for the district to move forward,” Oregon Park District Executive Director Erin Folk said during Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting.

Phase 2 preliminary engineering and construction engineering are expected to take place between June and December, Folk said.

They expect to seek bids in late winter or early spring, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2024, she said.

“We don’t anticipate it will take two construction seasons, unless we have

weather that would prohibit us from completing that,” Folk said.

The Rock River Heritage Trail eventually will be linked to the current bike path in Oregon, City Commissioner Terry Schuster said.

“There is a multiyear plan to integrate Lowden with the city of Oregon,” he said. “The city will also have to engineer, and pay for the section of trail that will go around the BP station.”

2023 A Season of the Unexpected

The Oregon Park District will receive a $3 million grant to create a shared-use trail from Illinois 64 to Lowden State Park.

White Pines Lodge and cabins blend history with modern day comforts at White Pines State Park

The White Pines Lodge is nestled in the center of White Pines State Park. This historic limestone and open beam log lodge was built by in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today it continues to serve locals as well as visitors with a restaurant, cozy cabins, and dinner theater.

The restaurant offers home-style cooking with signature dishes of biscuits & gravy, chicken pot pie and peach cobbler. Dinner theatres are also offered with a wide selection of musical performers. All performances are midweek matinees except for Scrooge the Comedy, which offers nights and weekends in December.

Twenty-one authentic log cabins stand in a clearing among the towering white pines. The historic cabins have queen beds and trundle beds for children and blend history with modern conveniences.

In addition there are two romantic suite cabins with king canopy beds and olde fashioned soaking tubs. All cabins come with gas fireplaces, TV, bed linens and towels.

The main lodge also has a gift shop that offers souvenirs and other unique items.

For additional information on the lodge, restaurant, and cabins call 815-655-2400 or visit whitepinesinn.com.

Sirens signal weather warnings

Emergency services are available to keep visitors and residents in Ogle County safe no matter where they are.

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.

If emergency information is unavailable on the radio or TV, call the sheriff’s department at 815732-6666.

Since Ogle County does not sound an all-clear when the emergency is over, listen to the radio or TV to find out when its safe.

The public is also advised to keep abreast of weather conditions and other situations using all media

available.

Local TV stations are based in Rockford and are: WIFR Channel 23, WTVO Channel 17, and WREX, Channel 13.

The primary radio station for emergency information is WRHL, Rochelle, which is located at 1060 on the AM dial.

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.

In the event of emergencies call 911. Ambulance and other emergency services are provided in all communities in the county.

Nearby hospitals include:

• Rochelle Community Hospital, 815-562-2181, 900 N. Second St., Rochelle.

• Katherine Shaw Bethea (KSB) Hospital, 815-288-5531, 215 E. First St., Dixon.

• Community General Hospital (CGH) is located in Sterling.

Three hospitals are in Rockford.

Ages 4 & under free

Gate Admission $10, includes carnival rides & free on-ground shows.

The cabins at White Pines State Park were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Each of the cabins offers modern amenities.

Mt. Morris’ Jamboree offers free summer concerts

The lineup for the Mt. Morris Jamboree Free Concert Series has been announced.

“Spring has sprung and summer is coming on strong, meaning in a very short time the Mt. Morris Jamboree will begin our season of free live music on the band shell in the center of town on our beautiful and historic campus,” organizer Larry Ubben said. “We’ve got 12 bands scheduled for Fridays and three more on Saturdays during the annual Straw Sculpting Competition in August and at least a couple more during the Let Freedom Ring Festival over July 3 and 4, with many favorites returning and four that are brand-new to the Jamboree.”

All shows commence at 7 p.m., unless noted. Concessions will be served starting at 6 p.m. Concessions mostly are provided by local charitable organizations. Other vendors, including ice cream from Grandpa’s Ice Cream and Just For Fun, likely will be on-site as well.

“Please help spread the good word far and wide,” Ubben said.

The schedule:

June 9: Generation – Classic Rock

June 16: Heartache Tonight –Eagles Tribute

June 23: Bagshot Row – 50s

and 60s R&R

June 30: SHiNDiG! – 60s tribute (MMHS Alumni Night)

July 3: The Rockin’ Fenderskirts –Oldies R&R (5 to 8 p.m. during LFR Car Show)

July 4: Joker’s Rival – Classic Rock (6 to 8 p.m. at the football field before fireworks)

July 7: Howard and the White Boys – Blues

July 14: Jonny Lyons and the Pride – Classic Rock

July 21: Paddygrass – Irish, Gospel, Bluegrass

July 28: The StingRays – Oldies/ Classic Rock

Aug. 4: The Jimmys – Blues, Funk, R&B, Soul

Aug. 11: Brass From the Past – Classic Rock & Soul

Aug. 12: Dirty Fishnet Stockings –

Rockabilly

Aug. 18: Fortunate Sons –CCR Tribute

Aug. 19: Swingbilly RFD – Western Swing

Aug. 25: Chicago Tribute Anthology – Music from the band Chicago and more

Aug. 26: Truman’s Ridge –Bluegrass

Vintage rail car owned by Oregon Depot Museum

The Oregon Depot Museum’s newest arrival—a sleek vintage rail car— is now officially hers.

Ownership of the Silver View vintage rail car was officially transferred to the Museum on Oct. 27, 2022 —two months after the 75-year-old dome car arrived in Oregon.

“This is a culmination of two years of negotiations and planning by the Mike Abernethy (car’s owner), the Depot Museum Board and the City of Oregon,” said Oregon Depot Museum Board President Roger Cain.

Cain and the Depot Board are currently working on restoration plans that will bring the Silver View to as close as possible to its original glory.

“The entire Oregon community can’t thank Mike enough for entrusting them with fulfilling his dream of restoring Silver View,” said Cain.

The transfer was guided by Oregon City Administrator Darin DeHaan. Cain and the museum board are working on restoration plans to bring the car back to its original glory.

After keeping railroad enthusiasts waiting for weeks, the Silver View arrived in Oregon in a whirlwind of activity on Aug. 21.

Cain is one of the Oregon Depot vol-

unteers who were instrumental in getting the rail car moved to the Oregon Depot for its next restoration phase.

The signature Vista Dome car for Burlington’s famed Twin Cities Zephyr started its journey to Oregon when former Oregon resident Peter Medins, now of Woodstock, met Mike Abernethy, of St. Charles, the former owner of the Silver View. The two

were on a rail tour when they started talking about Abernethy’s ongoing restoration work on the sleek rail car that was sitting in Charles City, Iowa. Medins, who remembers taking a trip from Oregon to Minneapolis on the Twin Cities Zephyr as a child, suggested Abernethy move the Silver View closer to St. Charles and proposed the Oregon Depot.

Officials from the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) agreed to replace and upgrade the “house” track — the track that once served the freighthouse — just west of the Oregon Depot for the Silver View to sit on. That track, located north of the active BNSF freight line, is the Silver View’s new home.

The Oregon Depot Museum Board was offered a $5,000 matching donation from Medins for costs associated moving with the Silver View. The Oregon Depot Board matched his donation with funds given by local donors.

Abernethy is president and tour

ABOVE LEFT: Mike Abernethy of St. Charles and Oregon Museum Board Member Roger Cain watch as the Silver View dome car reaches its new home west of the Depot. ABOVE RIGHT: Inside the dome portion of the 1947 rail car before restoration began. See SILVER VIEW

• SILVER VIEW

Continued from page 11

operator of Zephyr Route, a small privately owned business he launched to fund the restoration of the Silver View.

Silver View was built by the Budd Co. and delivered to the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe on Nov. 29, 1947. It immediately became one of the signature Vista Dome cars for the Burlington’s famed Twin Cities Zephyrs. The Twin Cities Zephyrs operated between Chicago and its names’ sake cities. It was marketed as “where natures smiles for 300 miles.”

Silver View and its sister car, Silver Vista, both operated as daytime parlor cars with one drawing room.

A fundraising campaign is currently underway to raise funds for the car’s restoration. For more information or to donate, call Cain at 815-7579715 or email the depot at: oregon.il. depot@gmail.com.

The Oregon Depot has been restored by local volunteers and houses a museum that reflects the history of train travel to and from the town of 3,800.

For more information about the Oregon Depot visit http://oregondepot.com.

June 13 ~ Totally Tuesday – live music & more

July 11 ~ Totally Tuesday again!

August 1 ~ Totally Tuesday & National Night Out Kickoff

August 11-12~Fulton City-Wide Yard Sales

October 7~Fall Fest

November 16~Ugly Sweater Sip N Stroll

December 1~Fulton Christmas Walk

December 2~Christmas in the Canyon

Ogle County events

June 1-Sept. 21

River’s Edge Farmers Market — Behind Oregon Fire Department; 123 N. Second St., Oregon; fresh, locally grown produce, flowers and hand-made crafts; 5-7:30 p.m. Thursdays; cityoforegon.org/ rivers-edge-farmers-market and Facebook

June 3-August

The Cypress House Outdoor Market — 718 10th Ave., Rochelle; visit Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to find local produce, honey, farm eggs, fresh flowers and breads; cypresshouse.net

June 2-3

Chana Museum Annual Community Sale — Oregon Coliseum, Franklin and Fourth streets in Oregon; fundraiser for the museum with housewares, clothing, antiques and much more; town-wide garage sales occurring as well; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; business.oregonil.com/calendar

June 3-September

Byron Hairy Cow Farmers Market — corner of Peru and Blackhawk, Byron; visit Saturay mornings from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for fresh picked vegetables, fruit, jams and jellies, eggs and find handmade sewing and crafts; Facebook

June 7-8

Rick Lindy & The Wild Ones — White

Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com

June 8-10

Community Garage Sales — Byron, Stillman Valley and Davis Junction; check website for more information; Facebook

June 9

Mt. Morris Jamboree— Campus in the center of Mt. Morris; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

June 9-Aug. 27

Old Sandstone Art Gallery Fine Art Show — Old Sandstone Gallery, 122 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris; visit the gallery on Wednesdays from 7-8:45 p.m. and Fridays 6:30-9 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

June 10

Porchfest — Mt. Morris; festival invites all genres of musicians to perform on porches, lawns; see website for map of locations; 1-5 p.m.; encoreporchfest.info

June 14

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30

See EVENTS, page 13

These restored parlor seats are on display inside the Oregon Depot Museum.

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p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

June 15

Fire & Rain: Iconic Songs of the 70’s — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:30 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com

June 16

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Heartache Tonight, Eagles Tribute Band —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

June 17

Town and Country Days — Polo; entertainment, car show, craft show, carnival, parade, fireworks, beer garden and food; admission is $5 for beer garden; Facebook

June 18

Polo Car Show — Sponsored by Gateway to the Pines Car Club; Crossroads Community Church, 205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo; car, truck and motorcycle show; 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; www. gatewaytothepines.org

Oregon Lions Club Father’s Day Car Show — Oregon Park East, 120 River Road, Oregon; 7:30 a.m.-2p.m.; business. oregonil.com/calendar and Facebook

June 20

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Kontz Place; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

June 21

Kable Band Concerts — bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

June 23

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Bagshot Row, oldies rock & roll — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

June 24-25

Railroad Days — Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

June 27

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Kontz Place; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

June 28

Kable Band Concerts — bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers;

concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

June 28-29

Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Sklelton starring Brian Hoffman — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

June 30

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring SHiNDig — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

July 3

Fireworks and Movie in the Park — Davis Junction Community Park, 106 Lincoln Ave., Davis Junction; enjoy fireworks and a movie at dusk; davisjunction.com and Facebook

July 3-4

Let Freedom Ring Festival — Mt. Morris; includes a parade, live music, children’s activities, and fireworks at dusk July 4; lfrmtmorris.com and Facebook

July 4

Independence Day Celebration — Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk; cityofrochelle.net and 815-562-6161

July 5

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

July 7

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Howard & The White Boys — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com Movies in the Park — Polo; grab blankets and enjoy an outdoor movie; dusk;

polochamber.org

July 7-9

ByronFest — multiple locations in Byron, featuring a gospel concert, carnival, car show, quilt show, vendor show, bags tournament, 5K run, entertainment, parade, beer garden and food; byronfest.org or 815-234-5500

July 8

Hib Reber Memorial Car Show and annual United Church of Byron Trash to Treasure Sale — 701 W. Second St.,

Byron; registration 8 to 11 :30 a.m., awards at 2 p.m.; music, concessions; Facebook

July 11

River City Boys 50’s & 60’s Jukebox Show — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Kontz Place; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

July 12

Color Run — Park West, 1402 Koontz Place, Oregon; fun 1-mile run/walk with color stations along the route; race gets messy and colorful; register in advance to receive t-shirt; $14 non-resident, $12 resident; 6 p.m.; oregonpark. org/color-run

July 12-13

Salute to the Songs of the Statler Brothers — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

July 12

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in

See EVENTS, page 14

Polo’s Town & Country Days is held in June and includes a carnival and fireworks.

Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

July 14

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Jonny Lyons and the Pride —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

July 15-16

Daylily Bloomfest — Hidden Timber Gardens, 462 S. Chana Road, Chana; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; check out daylilies in the Robert Ellison Memorial Garden and display gardens; hiddentimbergardens. com/events

July 18

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

July 19

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

July 21

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Paddygrass —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

July 21-23

Glory Days Vintage Drag Race, Car Show & Swap Meet — 7287 N. River Road, Byron; schedule TBD; byrondragway.com

July 25

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

July 26-27

Celebrating Lightfoot: Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

July 26

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; guest performers contribute every week; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/ concerts and encoremtmorris.com

July 28

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring The Sting Rays —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

July 30

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

Aug. 1

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a

lawn chair, blanket; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

Aug. 2

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

Aug. 2-6

Ogle County Fair — Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and food; oglecountyfair.com

Aug. 4-6

Forreston Sauerkraut Days — Forreston; multi-day festival filled with a parade, food, entertainment, craft show, car show, sports, family movie night and much more; schedule TBD; Facebook

Aug. 4

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring The Jimmys —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com Movies in the Park — Polo; grab blankets and enjoy an outdoor movie; dusk; polochamber.org

Aug. 9-10

I Write the Songs: A Tribute to the Music of Barry Manilow starring Denny Diamond — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Aug. 11

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Brass From The Past — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7

The Ogle County Fair offers a tractor and truck pull as well as live music, carnival rides, and 4-H competitions and exhibits each day.

Continued from page 14

p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

Aug. 11-27

Straw Sculpting Competition & Straw Fest Day Aug. 26 — Mt. Morris; walk through town to see how straw can be used to create works of art as part of a national competition; encoremtmorris. com/ and strawusa.com

Aug. 12

Polo Car Show — Car, truck and motorcycle show, plus trivia competition and music; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; polochamber.org

Aug. 18

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Fortunate Sons CCR Tribute — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

Aug. 18-20

Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival

— Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival.com or Facebook

Aug. 23-24

Jonny Bird’s ‘The Las Vegas Headliners’

— White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets;

whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Aug. 25

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Chicago Tribute , Music from the band Chicago —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

Aug. 26

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination

farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

Sept. 5-7

You Gotta Have Friends-Girlfriends That Is — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Sept. 13-14

Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock & Roll — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Sept. 16

Fiesta Hispana — downtown Rochelle; celebrate with food and entertainment; schedule and details TBD; Facebook

Sept. 16

The Chick Thing (outdoor vendor event), 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Vintage Chicks & Feeds, 700 Route 72 East, Leaf River, 815-973-2432.

Sept. 17

Tyler Smith 5K — Cooper Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street; race to fund high school scholarships in honor of Tyler (Smitty) Smith; 9 a.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org

Sept. 20

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

Sept. 23

Back Roads Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Vintage Chicks & Feeds, 700 Route 72 East, Leaf River, 815-973-2432.

See EVENTS , page 16

A demolition derby is a popular event at the Ogle County Fair.

Continued from page 14

Sept. 25-28

Rocky Mointain High: A John Denver Tribute starring Ted Vigil — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

September TBD

Stillman Valley Fall Festival — Car show, tractor show, craft show, bags tournament, parade, music and food; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com or Facebook

Oct. 7-8

Autumn on Parade — Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, tractor show, 5K walk/run, parade, food and more; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; autumnonparade.org or 815-732-3465

Oct. 11-12

Cry, Cry Cry_A Tribute to Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two staring Jonathan Lyons — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Oct. 18-19

Elvis Through the Years — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

October — Date to be determined Halloween on the Prairie — noon-4 p.m., Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron; hayride, games, face-painting; byronforestpreserve.com or 815-234-8535

Nov. 8-9

Andrew & His Sisters -A WWII Musical Tribute — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Nov. 23

Byron Park District Turkey Trot — Byron; enjoy a pre-feast 5K race; see website for details; raceentry.com/ byron-park-district-turkey-trot-5k/ race-information

Nov. 25

Candlelight Walk — downtown Oregon; horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and more; 3-8 p.m.; candlelightwalk.org and oregonil.com

Nov. 29-30

Denny Diamond Christmas Show

— White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; comedy with evening and matinee shows; 11:20 a.m.; see

website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Dec. 2-18

Scrooge the Comedy — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Dec. 2

Polo Christmas Festival — Polo ; celebrate the season with holiday happenings and shop local businesses; events throughout the day from Breakfast with Santa to craft show and entertainment and tree lighting; polochamber.org and Facebook

December DATE TBD Christmas on the Village Square — downtown Mt. Morris; pancake breakfast, craft fair and holiday bake sale, children’s Christmas party, story time with Mrs. Claus and lighting of the village square; mtmorrisil.net, “Mt. Morris Christmas on the Village Square” on Facebook

The Harvest Time Parade and artisan booths are part of Oregon’s Autumn on Parade festival, held the first full weekend in October.