The weekend brings Chris Tucker Live and Easter Cookie Decorating, along with egg hunts, fundraisers, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Chris Tucker Live
What: The actor and comedian will be here to entertain.
When: 8-10 p.m. March 27 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $77-$166
Pancake Breakfast
What: Cedarville Fire is hosting its annual pancake breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausage, eggs and apple sauce. Breakfast donations will go toward new equipment.
When: 7-11 a.m. March 28
Where: Cedarville Fire Protection District, 245 Stephenson St., Cedarville
Cost: donation
Don’t Let Pigeon Ruin the Party
What: Are you a fan of Mo Willems’ Pigeon books? Come celebrate Pigeon with a party in his honor. There will be crafts, games and a visit from Pigeon himself.
When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 28
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Steak Fry & Feather Party
What: Buy tickets for the steak dinner at Orangeville BOCO, Community Bank (Orangeville) or from any OFD fireman.
When: 5-7 p.m. steak fry; 7 p.m.– midnight feather party March 28
Where: Orangeville Volunteer Fire Dept., 306 W. High St., Orangeville
Cost: $25 for steak fry
Bailee and Braedon
What: German Valley locals Bailee & Braedon will be playing live. Come support hometown music, grab a drink and enjoy the vibes.
When: 6-9 p.m. March 28
Where: Valley Tap, 45 Church St., German Valley
Rockford IceHogs
What: The Rockford IceHogs take on the Iowa Wild. The first 2,500 fans through the doors will receive an exclusive Hockey Stick cooler bag.
When: 7 p.m. March 28
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
Cost: Tickets start at $27
Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
What: This egg hunt for ages 11-13 requires attendees to bring their own headlamp or flashlight because it will be held in the dark. Kids should also bring a bag or basket and dress for the weather because this outdoors event is being held rain or shine. Special smiley face eggs will contain paper slips that can be redeemed for a prize at the Shelter House. Parents, please stay during the hunt as it will only take a few minutes.
When: 7:30 p.m. March 28
Where: Lions Park, 609 N. Schuyler St., Lena
Cost: Free
Emo Night with All American Throwbacks
What: All American Throwbacks will be performing pop punk and emo throwback hits from bands such as Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, Panic! @ The Disco, Sum 41, Good Charlotte, All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday, Falling in Reverse, My Chemical Romance, 3OH!3, Pierce The Veil, Metro Station, The Used, Linkin Park and more.
When: 8 p.m. March 28 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: The Apollo Theatre AC, 106 N. State St., Belvidere
Cost: $14-$36
Easter Cookie Decorating
What: Liz, the baker behind Bezzie’s Bakery, will lead this beginner-friendly class. Tickets include six pre-baked Easter-themed cookies ready to decorate, buttercream frosting in multiple colors, use of decorating tips and tools during class, step-by-step instruction and individual guidance, visual reference examples and a bakery box in which to take your cookies home. No baking or mixing is required. Everything will be prepped and ready so you can focus on learning techniques and creating beautiful cookies. All supplies are provided but you may bring an apron or clothing you don’t mind getting frosting on. This class is recommended for ages 12 and older.
When: 2-4 p.m. March 29
Where: Garden Deli, 1793 S. West Ave., Freeport
Cost: $45; $60 for class and a Keep Decorating Kit including more cookies, buttercream and piping tips used in class
Sparkle for a Cause
What: Sparkle for a Cause is a community event supporting Eclectic Exotics Rescue & Rehab. Enjoy tacos, raffles, auctions, games and activities, and permanent jewelry while learning more about the work being done to care for rescued exotic animals. This event brings the community together to support and raise awareness for rescued exotic animals and the efforts to rehabilitate them.
When: 2-6 p.m. March 29
Where: Lucha Cantina, 1641 N. Alpine Road, Rockford
Cost: $45 for general experience admission; $135 for jewelry experience admission (admission, food and beverages, all activities including raffles, auction and interactive experiences, plus a custom-fit permanent jewelry piece)
Coming next week
Teen Library Scavenger Hunt
What: Put your skills to the test and team up to solve a series of clues, helping you see the library with a fresh set of eyes.
When: 4-5- p.m. March 31
Where: Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Bird and Nature Alliance
What: The Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance hosts its annual banquet, program and silent auction. The deadline for reserving a meal for this event was March 21st, however reservations are not necessary to attend the program (no meal) which starts at 7:30 p.m. Christopher Benda (a.k.a. Illinois Botanizer) has been teaching about plants for more than 12 years. The program is sure to keep you entertained and equipped with fun ways to learn about plants and teach others about plants.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. March 31
Where: Highland Community College, Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
Cost: $5; free for children and students
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt among 10 weekend events around Freeport
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Freeport Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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