Good morning, Rockford.

Machesney Park Elementary School unveiled Hello Machesney, a community mosaic mural built over the past year by students, staff and board members that features messages in different languages and Braille tiles; funding came from a Golden Apple Foundation grant + private donations.

The 40th Annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition began yesterday at Sinnissippi Park and runs through Saturday, Feb.

14, with 13 state teams and 10 high school teams carving large sculptures in warm, melting conditions. Community members can vote for People’s Choice awards online Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

A Rockford man is showcasing his extensive PEZ dispenser collection today, highlighting the design evolution from the original round form to the brick-shaped version introduced at a Vienna trade fair.

His display reflects decades of collecting history and local enthusiasm for these popular candy holders.

Prices for Valentine’s Day gifts have surged in Rockford as The Little Chocolatier’s owner Dennis Little reported chocolate is now $25.95 per pound versus $2.80 in 1977, while Vicki Hubbard of Pepper Creek noted flower prices rose 66% since 2016 and demand remains strong.

Chicago Rockford International Airport served more than 310,000 passengers in 2025, marking an 18% increase over 2024 — officials credited growing demand and new travel options for the boost, while cargo shipments nearly broke a record.

First Midwest Group plans a four-tenant retail center on Perryville Road to house the city's first McAlister's Deli at the Perryville Promenade in front of Meijer; construction begins this spring with no set timeline for the deli's opening.

Rockford native Piper Gilles and her ice dancing partner Paul Poirier won the bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan on Feb.

11 for Team Canada. Their long program helped secure the medal in a competitive field.

Rockford natives are in the Olympics; Cam Smith will compete in skimo at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb.

21, while Tessa Janecke takes part in tomorrow’s US hockey match at 2:10 p.m. and local-born Piper Gilles previously earned a bronze in ice dancing.

Galentine's Pop-Up

4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.

Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In

5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.

Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing

3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.

An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.

An Evening with Freedy Johnston

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.

La Fe Norteña Concert

8 PM — Apollo Activity Center — $40.00 + Fees — Enjoy a night of vibrant Norteno music featuring La Fe Norteña and more.

Charlie Berens Comedy Show

5-8 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy-winning comedian and author Charlie Berens.

Fireside Music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music from Rockford’s premier youth choir while savoring light lunches and pastries.