FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

FUNguide

FALL & WINTER 2020-21

Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC

R K O C F E K CH OO TS B EN E C V FA E

COR MAZ N E

Dedicated to growing, harvesting and delivering fresh produce • Sweet Corn • Jams & Jellies • Kettle Corn • Specialty Breads • Cookies • FRESH DONUTS! • Pumpkins & Fall Décor • Caramel Sauce • Hand Dipped Caramel Apples • Maple Mustard

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Our Caramel is Made the Old Fashioned Way in a Copper Kettle.

MID-JULY – OCTOBER 31 • 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM DAILY FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Corner of F & Hwy. 67

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Midway Between Williams Bay & Fontana W5740 North Walworth Road, Walworth, WI • 262-275-3783

W W W. P E A R C E FA R M S . C O M

379574

obert (Bob) and Mary Ann Pearce started dairying in 1955 just a mile down the road and moved east to the corner of County F & Hwy 67 in Walworth County, Wis., in 1965. The farm was originally purchased by Amos Van Dyke in 1848 through the Homestead Credit Act for $1.25 per acre.

The Pearce’s are the second family that has operated the farm since Wisconsin became a state in 1848. A few of the original buildings from that era are still in use today. In 1967, the Pearce family had a few dozen extra sweet corn and pumpkins.

The five Pearce kids decided to sell the surplus vegetables by the edge of the road to raise money for 4-H projects and their college education. In the beginning, only a few vegetables were offered for sale. Podded peas were available in June, and then followed by corn in July. With a ready supply of child labor intensive crops were planted and cared for by hand throughout the season.

In the years to follow, sweet corn went from being planted a couple of times to regular plantings throughout the spring and early summer to assure a continuous supply to the one wagon farm stand where

Bob Pearce carries on a proud farming tradition in his family. At top: Pearce’s Farm Stand has a 12-acre corn maze.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Fall Fun Guide

a young person would wait for a customer.

In the mid-1970s the market expanded to multiple wagons with a variety of produce grown on the farm including: zucchini, beets, basil, tomatoes, leeks,

winter squash, cucumbers, dill, green beans and beyond. Apple products were also provided by a local grower.

Today, Pearce Farms continues to offer the wide variety of quality, fresh fruits and vegetables that have been offered for years. We continue to hand pick all our vegetables at the peak of perfection to bring you the very best. We also offer all kinds of fall decorations. From your traditional large, round pumpkins to unique ones such as Lunch Lady Gourds with warts all over their skin like those found on a witch’s face.

We have tiny pumpkins and gourds all the way to the 300+ pound Atlantic Giant pumpkins. With such a wide array of colors and choices you will have a hard time deciding which ones you will want to decorate your home with.

Their 12-acre corn maze is open Saturdays & Sundays, Sept. 8 through Oct. 28.

Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-12 Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pearce’s Farm Stand is located at W5740 N. Walworth Roads, Walworth, Wis. Call 262-275-3783 for more information.

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Fall fun abounds at Pearce’s Farm Stand R

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

Curran’s Apple Orchard Curran’s Apple Orchard offers a store and lots of fun activities like the Little People’s Mini-Maze. The orchard is located at 6385 Kilburn Ave., Rockford, Ill. They are open now for the 36th Fall Season. Daily Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 815-963-7848 for more information.

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FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

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Bring the family out for fall fun at Lindberg’s Pumpkin Patch Barnyard activities

Edwards Apple Orchard West is located at 8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago, Ill. SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

Corn Maze

Edwards Apple Orchard West opens for season

Hours

Edwards Apple Orchard West is now open for the season, and the safety and health of customers and employees is a top priority.

Here are their policies for your visit this fall: Please do not visit the farm if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Face coverings are required to enter the Apple Barn and while shopping, and the Apple Barn will have a limited capacity.

Guests are asked to maintain social distancing at all times and to wear face coverings outside when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the Apple Barn, play area, and general grounds. Hand washing stations are also available at the orchard.

Edwards is conducting enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch surfaces to ensure your safety.

The 7-acre corn maze changes each year, so if you made it through last year, make sure you give it a try again this year. Go ahead and get lost in the corn! No maps, no guide just pure fun.

The entrance fee for children ages 3-12 is $4, Adults $6, children 2 and under are free.

How long does it take? That question is asked a lot and it varies among groups some may take 15-20 minutes and some are in there longer.

The last entrance is at 5:45 p.m.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sept. 17-Oct. 31 Please note: select activities may close during inclement weather.

Lindberg’s Pumpkin Patch is located at 3178 IL Route 173, Caledonia, IL 61011.

For more information call 815765-2587.

Edwards West Express With COVID-19 still present and only allowing a limited number of customers in the Apple Barn, Edwards is offering more ways for you to shop for your fall favorites.

“Edwards West Express” is a temporary tent where you can grab some apple cider, donuts, and apples along with some of our other specialty food items.

The Apple Barn will still be open with all our usual products. We encourage our customers to come during the week for a more leisure shopping experience.

Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days a week Open Labor Day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8218 Cemetery Road Winnebago, IL 61088 For more information, call, 815-963-2261

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

With all of the fall attractions, you can count on a fun time at The Lindberg Pumpkin Patch. From the corn maze to petting zoo there is something for everyone.

At the petting zoo, you and your family can experience life on the farm. There are goats and sheep that you and your family can feed and pet. There are also many other animals on the farm including chickens and an alpaca.

While some activities are free of charge, others require tickets.

Wristbands are available for purchase Monday through Friday.

• Tickets $1/each • For every 10 tickets purchased you get one ticket free.

• Wristbands (Monday-Friday), $10/each • Unlimited play on the three inflatables.

• Unlimited visits to the haunted shed.

• One pumpkin train ride.

Please note: Corn maze is not included and wristbands are not available on Columbus Day.

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FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

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Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park offers fishing and boating fun.

FILE PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

beautiful campground has 270 premium campsites, a rustic cabin, a group camp and shelters, with reservations available through www.reserveamerica.com Rock Cut is home to abundant wildlife with waterfowl, deer, fox, muskrat, woodchuck and beaver, opossum, raccoon and both gray and fox squirrel. Over 100 types of wildflowers offer a showy display each spring and summer, while hardwood trees dazzle visitors each fall.

Rock Cut is an alcohol free park and campground.​​​​​​ 7318 Harlem Road Loves Park IL 61111 815-885-3311

Rock Cut State Park offers miles of hiking trails, camping, boating and swimming fun for families.

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FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Rock Cut State Park offers nature at its best

Chiseled out of the state’s far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County. Nearby are other “rocky” landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It’s an area of rolling plains, interesting history and a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Rock Cut’s 3,092 acres include two lakes: Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, and Olson Lake with 50 acres offer a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. The park’s hiking trails, horseback riding trails and cross-country skiing and wildlife watching, as well as seasonal hunting programs, make it a year round recreation destination. The

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BYRON FOREST PRESERVE PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

Byron Forest Preserve Go canoeing District

The Byron Forest Preserve rents canoes. Please call at least one week in advance to schedule the date and time for your canoe trip. Canoes are $25 each with a 3-canoe minimum per rental.

Paddles and life jackets are included. Call Mark at 815-234-8535 ext. 217 to plan your next canoe outing.

Byron The Perfect Place For Perfect Wedding TheForest Preserve

Byron Forest Preserve District

District

With our beautiful prairie setting, the Byron Forest Preserve is the ideal location for everything from rehearsal dinners to ceremonies to receptions.

Byron Forest Preserve

› Great facilities for indoor or outdoor celebrations › Jarrett Prairie Center accommodates 200 guests › All facilities are handicapped accessible › Complete bar service available

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

District

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› Room for DJ or band and dancing; outdoor stage also available › Also perfect for other social and business occasions › Deck that seats up to 150 people

Byron Forest Preserve Byron Forest Preserve

District

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7993 N. River Rd.,DByron, i s t r iILc •t 815-234-8535 • www.byronforestpreserve.com

Boone County Museum of History offers variety of exhibits Starting in 2017, the Boone County Museum of History launched a full redesign on all of our exhibits within the museum. Our goal has been to make our displays modern while presenting our history in an interactive format. Below are several examples of our brand new exhibits, which have delighted thousands of visitors and expanded our community’s knowledge on the history of Boone County.

The Great War A little over a century ago, the world was thrown into a conflict greater than any it had ever seen: World War One. Our newest exhibit, which is still under construction, remembers those from Boone County who fought in the Great War. It will also feature propaganda posters originally hung in local J. R. Balliet’s Music Shop, and it will have a replicated trench complete with an officer’s quarters.

Our brand new exhibition gallery features activities for kids of any age.

The exhibits include a dig-your-own fossil site, hands-on interactive learning drawers and the chance to see a real Wooly Mammoth thigh bone that was found in Boone County. Our new Gallery also features wonderful taxidermy that has been overseen by Jim Hess (Hess Taxidermy Studio). Jim has spent his entire career in taxidermy and has won numerous awards for his skill, both statewide and nationally.

Belvidere’s Own: Celebrating 50 Years of Judi Ford, Miss America 1968 The night Judi Ford won the title of Miss America 1968, Belvidere exploded into an excited frenzy. Judi Ford, small town girl who had grown up in Belvidere, had won the title and put the city’s name on the nation’s map. Explore our new

The newest exhibit at the Boone County Museum of History remembers those from Boone County who fought in the Great War. SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

exhibit that dives into Judi’s life growing up in Belvidere as an expert gymnast, to her historic win, and her current life as a retired teacher and grandmother. The exhibit also features a recreated 1960’s living room where you can sit and watch Judi win on a 1950’s television.

Sowing Season: An Interactive History of Farming in Boone County Sowing Season features interactive elements for kids such as a farmers market, a cow that can be milked, and more. Other elements include a full history of the dairy industry in Boone County and a dedication to the famous Edward’s Apple Orchard, whose founder was a dedicated member of our museum.

We can’t wait for you to see this exhibit.

314 S State St Belvidere, IL, 61008 Open Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday.

The Boone County Museum of History features an exhibit about Judi Ford, a Belvidere native who was Miss America 1968.

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

The Melvin and Mildred Banks Gallery of Boone County Conservation

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Midway Village: Rockford’s History Museum Midway Village Museum was organized in 1968 by the Swedish, Harlem and Rockford Historical Societies for the purpose of collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of the Rockford area. It began with a donation of land by the Severin Family and has grown dramatically since.

In 1972, the original museum site was located on eleven acres donated by the Severin Family; today the site is 137 acres. The original 10,000 sq. ft.

Museum Center facility opened in 1974.

The Industrial Gallery opened in 1976. In 1986 the Exhibition Hall was built to link the previous two buildings together.

In 1988, more galleries were opened, including the Aviation Gallery and the Carlson Education Gallery. Across the parking lot, the Old Dolls’ House Museum was opened that same year.

Today, the 52,700 sq. ft Museum Center houses seven exhibition galleries, collections storage, classrooms, workrooms, administrative offices, library, audio-visual room, and the Museum Store.

The 2000 renovation of the History Building made the facility handicap accessible and made the Museum Center more visitor friendly. The collections have grown to over 110,000 objects, including three-dimensional pieces, structures, textiles, and archival material.

Ranked by visitors to Northern Illinois as a top attraction, Midway Village Museum is an authentic experience combining history, heritage and the exhibition of artifacts to create an unforgettable, educational visitor experience. Visitors explore life and culture during the late 19th Century in Northern Illinois.

Come enjoy a day exploring the outdoor Victorian Village!

Midway Village Museum staff and all visitors to the museum campus are required at this time to follow all State of Illinois mandates for social distancing.

If you are a Midway Village Museum Member the tours are free as part of your membership. Please, call ahead to make a reservation so we can accommodate you and your guest(s) by speaking with

a Front Desk representative at 815-3979112.

The development of Midway Village began in 1974. The Village is representative of a typical rural town in Northern Illinois at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

Midway Village features 26 historical structures, including a general store, hardware store, print shop, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, town hall, police station, plumbing shop, bank, hotel, hospital, fire station, church, barber shop, law office, two barns, and four farm houses.

Cost: $8 Adults $6 Children (ages 5-17) Infants ages (0-2) Tours available by appointment Museum is open through Oct. 31 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Tours on the hour at 11 am, Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.

Midway Village is located at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, IL 61107.

For more information, call 815-3979112.

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Gilbank

314 S. State St. Belvidere, IL 61008

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bcmuseumofhistory.org 815-544-8391

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FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

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Explore the downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market Enjoy the crisp Fall air and spend some time in Beloit’s award-winning downtown.

Downtown Beloit boasts early 20thcentury architecture, seasonal artwork, and is all about charm and supporting local businesses.

With more than 30 shops and 20 restaurants including an old-time candy shop offering homemade chocolates, retro candies and gourmet popcorn, you’ll have fun exploring. There are also several events that take place in downtown including a Spring and Fall Wine Walk.

The Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market is another special occasion that Beloiters are proud of. It is currently the secondlargest market in the state—second only to Madison. The Market continues to grow with more than 100 vendors weekly.

Items include local produce, organics, baked goods, honey, and jams & jellies.

Shoppers will also find bedding plants, fish, meat, eggs & cheese, fresh flowers, artisan crafts, scents & skin care!

In addition to shopping, you can treat yourself to the food trucks serving a variety of ethnic foods and seafood. Live music will keep you entertained as you wander past the shops, and there are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy as well.

The open-air market is held rain or shine and bursts at the seams every Saturday from 8 a.m. to1 p.m. from May through October.

The Downtown Beloit Farmers’ Market is the second-largest market in the state—second only to Madison. The Market continues to grow with more than 100 vendors weekly.

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Beckman Mill is located at 1600 S County Road H. Call 608-751-1551 for more information.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

A visit to Beloit isn’t complete without taking in the historic Beckman Mill, an authentically restored operational grist mill from 1868. The Mill was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1977.

It sits on 50 acres, and guided tours are offered in the afternoons and on the weekends. On the premises, you’ll find a new dam, mill pond, footbridge, saw mill display, 1840s cooperage, visitors center, gift shop, creamery, vintage garden, nature trails and more. Pick up a souvenir from the gift shop so you can take the Midwestern memories home with you.

In addition to regular tours and demonstrations, Beckman Mill hosts several events including Heritage Sunday, Ice Cream Social, Art in the Park, and more!

Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday May through October. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Beckman Mill is located at 1600 S County Road H Call 608-751-1551 for more information.

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Beckman Mill takes visitors back in time

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Pumpkin Fest Lockwood’s Pumpkin Fest is scheduled for Oct. 10-12. Bring the family out for family fun fall activities and Lockwood Market.

This event will be open rain or shine. Lockwood Park features a wooded park with trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding, plus playgrounds & picnic areas. Lockwood Park is located at 5201 Safford Road, Rockford, Ill. For more information, call 815987-8809.

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CDetweiler’s ountryside Detweiler’s Bent Bent & & Dent Dent

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Fall Fun Guide

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FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

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Visit the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford

Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur

After four years of preparation, Jane is now on display as the centerpiece of a new exhibit at Burpee Museum. Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur. Come discover what happened during the 66 million years she lay buried, visit the expedition’s Montana base camp, and view Jane’s fully restored 21-foot skeleton.

Carboniferous Coal Forest

State-of-the-art technology is combined to create a two-story tall prehistoric coal forest. Thrill to the thunder and lightning of a sudden tropical rainstorm as you explore our

local landscape, insects and amphibians as they existed 300 million years ago.

The Ordovician Sea

What did Rockford look like millions of years ago? Here’s a hint: you’d need your bathing suit! Discover the ancient sea that covered this region and see fossils of the critters who called it home long before we did.

Geoscience

Visit the second level to learn how our earth was formed and the forces still at work shaping our planet. Included are exhibits on economic, world and regional geology.

See extraordinary displays of unusual rocks, gems, and minerals; and information on plate tectonics, land formations, and more.

The First People

Your trip through time continues with the history of humankind in North America. The First People features a full-size wigwam and tipi, an American Bison, and a dugout canoe that you can climb into! Make sure to visit the video kiosk on your way out to learn what it’s like to live in a wigwam, hear Native American stories, and watch a Pow Wow.

Windows to Wilderness

Focusing on the wildlife of the Rock River Valley, Windows to Wilderness offers a fun, interactive approach to the world around us.

Prepare yourself to look at our environment through a new set of eyes as you explore this hands-on exhibit, encounter live animals and

re-discover your own habitat!

Dean Olson Viewing Lab

The Dean and Nancy Olson Specimen Viewing Lab is a window into how the Museum works. Located on the lower level, the viewing area’s large glass windows reveal the biology and paleontology laboratories where specimens are prepared for the Museum’s collections and exhibits. Homer, the sub-adult Triceratops is found in and just outside the lab. Burpee Museum maintains more than 60 thousand items in its permanent collection!

Museum Admission

General Admission: Adults $10; Children (ages 3–12) $8 Children 3 and under: FREE; Members: FREE Donation Day*: Tuesday (*Additional fees may apply for temporary and traveling exhibits.)

Contact the museum for more information at 815-965-3433 or 815--489-7970.

General public COVID-19 hours

Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Accessibility: Burpee Museum has four floors of accessible exhibits. Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers may be dropped off at the Main Entrance, with free handicapped parking nearby. Wheelchairs are available free of charge; ask at the front desk inside the lobby.

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Located at 737 N. Main St. Rockford, Burpee Museum has four floors of modern exhibits. Exhibits are specimen based, with strong interactive and educational components.

The first floor is dedicated to paleontology; take a walk through time as your visit exhibits chronicling key times in earth’s history.

The Geoscience exhibit is located on the second floor, where rocks and minerals, fluorescent minerals, and the geology of the region can be found.

Third floor exhibits include the Windows to Wilderness exhibit on Rock River Valley biology and the First People exhibit which introduces visitors to different Native American cultures.

Located in the lower level is the Dean Olson Viewing lab where fossil and biological specimens are prepared for exhibit.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

Burpee Museum of Natural History is located at 737 N. Main St. Rockford, The Museum features four floors of specimen based exhibits, with strong interactive and educational components.

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Rockford’s Discovery Center open with reservations Behind our masks, we are smiling from ear to ear as we open our doors and welcome families back. If you’ve previously been to our museum, your visit this time will seem a bit different that you are used to, but it will remain just as fun as before!.

Advance reservations are required. Timed entry tickets for 2-hour visit will help us regulate capacity and ensure a quality visit for your family. This will also allow us to have time to clean and sanitize in between timed visits. Reservations can also be made by calling 815-963-6769. If you have a Discovery Center coupon, gift certificate or reciprocal membership, please call to make reservations. Members must make online or phone reservations as well.

Before you enter the museum, we will check your temperature, have you answer several health screening questions, and provide sanitizer for your use. Then you can scan your online reservation at the admission desk. It’s all contactless! Plus, remember to rock the mask!

Grownups, children ages 6+, and Museum staff must wear masks that cover the nose and mouth to enter the Museum (when medically

our friendly Discovery Guides will welcome and accompany you in a group (consisting of about 6 people) during your visit to aid with social distancing and ensure your children have the opportunity for safe and joyful play.

Discovery Center fun

Discovery Center is located on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

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able). Caregivers visiting with children who have medical conditions, ASD and similar processing differences are encouraged to let our staff know.

We strongly encourage tots ages 5 and younger to wear face coverings as well, though they are not required. Face coverings are not required in our outdoor park when social distancing can be maintained. Our staff are also required to wear masks, and undergo temperature checks and health screenings.

Social distancing is a team effort. One of

Would you like to be an astronaut, traveling the galaxy in your own spaceship? Or fly over land and sea in a jet? Maybe you’re the down to earth type. Would you like to forecast the weather in a television studio? Or create your own police sketch while unraveling the mysteries of human genetics?

When you visit Discovery Center Museum, you and your family can explore the world, and even the universe, without ever leaving our inspiring environment. The thrill of exploration and discovery is built into every one of the 250-plus hands-on exhibits.

Discovery Center is on the Riverfront Museum Park campus, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, with the Rockford Art Museum and adjacent to the Burpee Museum of Natural History in downtown Rockford, Ill. Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information call (815) 963-6769.

Free nature programs offered at Atwood Park feeding time from outside Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Campfire Cooking - Create a tasty hot dish, plus a sweet treat for dessert.

Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m. Tree Trunk-or-Treat - Experience a unique and fun version of trunk-or-treat for the Halloween season.

Come in costume to enjoy collecting candy in the woods, or bring your own s’mores to enjoy by the fire. For the brave, an optional spooky solo hike through the WW I target pit is also available.

New this year - advance-registration is now required for each In the Outdoors session, please register at www.atwoodpark. org/programs. This series is one of many free family-friendly activities offered by the 379255

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

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Rockford Park District for the community to enjoy.

Safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Rockford Park District. The District has worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois, and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure a fun and safe recreational experience.

Complete information is posted at www. rockfordparkdistrict.org/playitsafe.

More information on Atwood programs, facility rentals, and group activities and retreats is available at www.atwoodpark. org and 815-966-8747. For information on accessibility and support for visitors with disabilities, call or text 815-987-8800.

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Rockford Park District’s Atwood Center invites all ages to experience In the Outdoors presented by Rock River Disposal, a series of free activities held select Saturdays through Oct. 17, rain or shine, at 334-acre Seth B. Atwood Park, 2685 New Milford School Road, Rockford, Ill. Bring the entire family for a few hours of fun experiencing and learning about nature and aspects of the park through the variety of two-hour morning, afternoon, and evening outdoor and indoor programs. The next sessions are scheduled as follows: Sept. 19, noon to 2 p.m. Sneak Beak - Help Atwood’s birds of prey handlers prepare a meal for the birds, and observe

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens: Tropical oasis in the city Safety has been and will continue to be one of our top priorities. We have worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure we can provide a fun and safe recreational experience.

Our park district team has and will continue to increase efforts to clean and sanitize our facilities and program areas in accordance with CDC guidelines. We have incorporated creative ways to encourage and promote social distancing, implemented health screenings for both employees and participants, as well as updated our eligibility requirements to ensure the health and safety of all during this time.

The Nicholas Conservatory On Oct. 29, 2011, the Rockford Park District opened the doors to a brand new facility, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The entire facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois with a total of 22,000 square feet, and at the highest point will stand 52 feet.

A tropical setting includes an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting.

In early 2004, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners selected Sinnissippi Park as the site for a centerpiece project

On Oct. 29, 2011 the Rockford Park District opened the doors to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Fun Guide

for the District’s 100-year anniversary celebration. Sinnissippi Park was the first land purchased by the newly-formed Rockford Park District in 1909.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is named after the Nicholas family, who in March 2006, announced their donation of $2,150,000 toward the Conservatory project in honor of their parents, William and Ruby Nicholas.

Aside from the generous donation from the Nicholas family, nearly 1,600 donors contributed to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Public Campaign Project.

Greenhouse vs. Conservatory What’s the difference?

The former greenhouse was constructed in 1924 and was in need of significant repairs.

A greenhouse is a building where plants are cultivated. A conservatory is used to display tropical plants and displays, and can be used for social gatherings.

The original 15-foot high Greenhouse’s purpose was to grow flowers and plants that could be used throughout the Rockford Park District’s parks and facilities. This purpose changed as the Park District grew, and it became impractical for the Greenhouse plantings to support the entire District.

Over the years, the Greenhouse was used to host a variety of seasonal flower shows, but the building was not originally designed for this purpose. The former Greenhouse will be memorialized with a rendering and display incorporated into the new Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens facility.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Summary of Amenities Indoor and Outdoor Gardens Open to the

Public (year-round); Growing Greenhouse; Meeting Room and Classroom Space (available to rent); Tropical Destination for Small Weddings, Receptions, and Catered Events; Children’s Educational and Play Area; Garden Gate Gift Shop ; Sculptures; Catering Kitchen; Outdoor Terrace Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Fast Facts: Large palms and tropical trees came from nurseries in Homestead, Fla. Temperature inside the Conservatory is anywhere between 70˚ and 105˚ Every plant or tree has a label with the common and Latin name Farthest Traveling Object: Aneityum palm from Vanuatu Islands of the Pacific Heaviest Tree: Bismark Palm weighing over 6000 lbs (3 tons) Longest Installation of a Tree: Bismark Palm – 8 hours, 3 machines, and a dozen workers Regular Admission Adults: $7 (Resident) $9 (Non-Resident) Seniors (65+): $5 (Resident) $7 (NonResident) Veterans $4 (Resident) $6 (Non-Resident) Ages 5-1:7 $5 (Resident), $7 (NonResident) Ages 3-:4 $3 (Resident), $4 (NonResident) Ages 2 and under, free Hours Sundays and Mondays: CLOSED Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to- 4p.m. $4 (Resident), $5 (non-resident Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FALL FUN GUIDE 2020

Face Coverings Indoor Facilities & Programming: All Rockford Park District facilities will require face coverings indoors when on premises and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. Individuals participating in indoor sports, health, and fitness activities, should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth whenever not actively exercising or participating in practices, competition, or whenever social distancing cannot be practiced.

Outdoor Parks, Spaces & Programming: During outdoor programming, individuals should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth whenever not actively exercising or participating in practices, competition, or whenever social distancing cannot be practiced.

Indoor/Outdoor Dining: While dining at a restaurant, bar, or golf course clubhouse on district property, patrons should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth while on premises, except while eating and drinking at table.

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