The weekend brings Dairy Days, 100 Father’s Day and Rock and ResQ, along with food, live music and more to the Freeport area.
Dairy Days
What: Dairy Days features free ice cream, a petting zoo with P & C’s Little Rascals, a bounce house and activities for the kids. Stop by to celebrate National Dairy Month and show appreciation to dairy farmers.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. June 19
Where: Lena Fast Stop, 519 E. Lena St., Lena
Cost: Free
Artist Workshop: Woody Olsen
What: Explore the expressive world of abstract in this dynamic watercolor workshop led by artist Woody Olsen. Known for his distinctive style, Woody will guide participants through layering color using mixed media techniques. Participants will focus on abstract and imagist approaches.
When: 1-3 p.m. June 19
Where: Freeport Art Museum, Cost: $60; $54 for FAM members
CAMEO
What: With more than 30 million records sold worldwide, the group founded and led by music icon Larry Blackmon, continues to influence generations with funk hits, distinctive sound and live performances. While Mr. Blackmon has stepped back from touring, he remains at the helm creatively, ushering in a new era of CAMEO led by sons, Larry Scott Blackmon and BJ Blackmon Wheeler. The band’s powerhouse stage presence is carried forward by 30 plus-year CAMEO members Kevin Kendrick, Jeff Nelson, Willie Morris and Anthony Lockett. Joining them is bassist A.J. Mills (son of longtime Cameo bassist Aaron Mills) and other fresh talent. CAMEO’s legendary tracks—like “Word Up!” and “Candy” have been sampled and reimagined by major artists including Beyoncé, Tupac, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Korn and Will Smith.
When: 7 p.m. June 19
Where: Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford
Cost: $25.40
Midsommar Fest
What: This event features walking tour of Haight Village, tours of Erlander Home Museum, maypole raising, Swedish meatball and Swedish pancake contests, Nordic dancers, live music, Swedish story time and more. Midsommar is one of the most popular celebrations for Swedes, both in Sweden and in this country.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 20
Where: Erlander Home Museum, 404 S. Third St., Rockford
Peach Truckload Sale
What: Indian River Direct will have super sweet Freestone peaches available for $55 for a 25 lb. box and Ellis Brother’s Georgia Elliott pecans for $13 for a one-pound bag. Bring cash, check or credit card for payment.
When: 10-11:30 a.m. June 20
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Beginner Goat Milk Soap Making
What: Learn to make old fashioned cold process goat milk soap from milk from Gretta’s Goats. Take your skincare into your own hands. Experiment with scents, colors and textures, and use responsibly sourced ingredients. Know exactly what you are putting on your skin. After this two-hour introductory hands-on experience with basic cold process soap making, participants will take home the soap in a mold they make and choose a soap from the farm store. Guests can take a tour of the farm and interact with baby goats, miniature donkeys, farm kitties, livestock guardian dogs and chickens.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. June 20
Where: Gretta’s Goats, 498 Farwell Bridge Road, Pecatonica
Cost: $75
Quad and SXS Racing
What: This brand-new racing series will provide speed, dirt and good old-fashioned fun. Bring the family, cheer on the racers or throw your name in and race yourself. No experience needed to enjoy it.
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. June 20
Where: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 S. Walnut Road, Freeport
Cost: $5; $10 pit admission; $20 per class entry
Hair Nation
What: The band HairNation Chicago will be playing big hair classics.
When: 2 p.m. June 20
Where: Hooks and Bobbers, 612 Bridge St., Winslow
Bummyfest
What: This annual block party features live music from The Old School Band at 4 p.m. and Blue Steel at 8 p.m. There will be food trucks on-site. Beer, soda and water are provided while they last, but you’re welcome to bring your own favorite beverage, as well as your lawn chairs. Participate in a live auction and 50/50 raffle to help cover event costs; donations are welcome. Beer, soda, ice, food and auction donations are encouraged this week. No bottles or glass allowed.
When: 3 p.m. June 20 – 1 a.m. June 21
Where: 204 W. South St., Pearl City
Cost: Free admission
Rock and ResQ
What: Rock band Spotted Dog plays at this outdoor event. There will be food, beverages, dog tattoos, a live auction and a caricature artist. Leashed friendly dogs are welcome.
When: 4-7 p.m. June 20
Where: Friends Forever Humane Society, 966 W. Rudy Road, Freeport
Cost: $10 gate fee or 2 for $15
Father’s Day Car Show
What: Durand’s Father’s Day car show returns to the Square in memory of Ron Meier. There will be several custom trophies. All proceeds benefit Durand Fire District 1 and Durand Charm.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. June 21
Where: Durand Main Square, 411 N. Center St., Durand
Cost: $20 per car entry fee; free admission for spectators
Live at Levings: 100 Father’s Day
What: All fathers from Freeport, Rockford, South Beloit, Elgin and the surrounding 815 area code are invited to bring your families to this event of celebration, music and community spirit. This event is a perfect opportunity for fathers to come together to celebrate their role in the family while enjoying a festive atmosphere that includes vendors offering a variety of goods and services, a live DJ; special performances showcasing amazing local and national talent; giveaways and more. Performers include Devonese, Kandrice Jackson, Lil Rounds and more.
When: 5-8 p.m. June 21
Where: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford
Music Under the Stars
What: Come hear the Freeport Concert Band in this summer music series. Come enjoy all genres of music led by a guest conductor each week, along with vocal and instrumental soloists. The variety of artists will entertain all ages. There’s plenty of bench seating or bring lawn chairs. Scott Stitch performs on June 21.
When: 7-9 p.m. June 21
Where: Koenig Amphitheatre, Krape Park, Freeport
Cost: Free admission
Coming next week
Make it Monday
What: Drop in between 2 and 4 p.m. to make a craft. This week, make Woodland Creature Ornaments.
When: 2-4 p.m. June 22
Where: Freeport Public Library meeting room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Rockford Jams
What: Rockford Jams is a Rockford Park District outdoor summer concert series held at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell. The series consists of both free and admission fee shows, depending on the performance. The performer on June 23 is Phantom Regiment. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets because seating is limited. Phantom Regiment will also showcase two of its local programs during the concert: Rockford Rhythm, a youth drumline open to young percussionists of any experience level and Rockford Kingpins, a drumline for students with disabilities. The Crystal Lake Kingpins will also make an appearance.
When: 7 p.m. June 23
Where: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 20 Arlington Ave., Rockford
Cost: Free admission
Storytime at Debate Square
What: Bring blankets and chairs for an outdoor story time. Read stories, sing songs and join in movement activities. In the event of inclement weather, story time will be held in the library. Stories are geared toward PreK-elementary students.
When: 10:30 – 11 a.m. June 24
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Cost: Free
Life Sized Candyland
What: The board game will come to life as you step into the game and go along on a journey through its magical landscapes. Navigate a giant Candyland board, meet colorful characters and enjoy fun little sweets as you play your way through this adventure.
When: 4-7 p.m. June 25
Where: Freeport Public Library meeting room, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Music on Debate Square
What: Kendra Swanson will perform on June 25.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. June 25
Where: Debate Square, 114 E. Douglas St., Freeport
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Freeport Journal-Standard.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Plan your weekend with these 14 Freeport area events
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Journal-Standard / Journal Standard
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By Kathi Edwards, Special to the Journal-Standard | USA TODAY Network
