Daily
Rockford
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 12th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary hosted its 17th annual Bark and Wine Gala to mark 48 years of caring for animals in need. Manager Brooke Pond said proceeds fund the shelter and clinic, and the nonprofit plans events including a 5K in May and a golf outing in June. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Happy Cannabis Co. reopened Saturday on Stenstrom Road under new ownership following a full renovation. The dispensary now offers an expanded range of products and aims to educate customers about cannabis (a reimagined retail experience for Rockford residents). WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Midway Village Museum hosted World War I Days this weekend with over 200 reenactors staging realistic battles and historical demos at the museum on Guilford Road beside the Rock River. More than 600 area students visited Friday as part of organized school groups. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Keith Country Day School's quiz bowl team won the IHSA state championship on Friday in Rockford, earning certificates from Dave Vella. The team, led by Junior Merrick Meyer and Senior Jack Klinger (coached by Kristin Burns), will soon compete at NAQT Nationals in Chicago. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school basketball players are getting one final chance to represent their schools at the annual Rising Stars Classic, drawing athletes from NIC-10 and nearby conferences. WIFR
- ➤ More than 250 college athletes from over 50 schools will compete this weekend at the National Collegiate Table Tennis Championships in Rockford, marking the city’s third time hosting the event since 1993. The tournament ends Sunday at the Sports Factory off Madison Street. WIFR
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Los Huracanes Del Norte Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the lively sounds of Los Huracanes Del Norte in a vibrant setting.
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Rockford Handmade Market - Spring 2026
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship in the spring market.
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Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.
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Mother's Day Garden Celebration
12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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