Good morning, Rockford.

Tinker Swiss Cottage celebrated 160 years yesterday when volunteers and local visitors gathered for free tours and an ice cream social—enjoying original family artifacts and learning about the home built in 1865 above Kent Creek.

The event showed that community support keeps the historic site thriving.

Today, construction began along 11th Street in Rockford as the intersection with 15th Avenue was closed for a water main installation—roadway, sidewalk, and utility improvements are underway; the work will finish in two weeks while keeping normal access for residents, businesses, mail, deliveries, trash pickup, and emergency vehicles.

J. Jeffers & Co. plans to restart the stalled Colman Yards project at the Barber-Colman campus in south Rockford with a new general contractor—Ringland-Johnson Construction—after resolving lien and financing issues.

Meetings with civic leaders and union officials have boosted optimism that work will resume soon once bond surety matters are cleared.

Japanese Summer Festival

Experience Japanese culture — July 26-27 — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Admission details not specified — Enjoy live performances, martial arts, crafts, and delicious cuisine in a serene garden setting.

Greater Rockford Classic

Fri-Sun, Aug 1-3 — Aldeen Golf Club — Registration Fee Required — Compete in a nearly century-old tournament with 54 holes of stroke play open to players aged 14 and older.

Maxwell Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $86 — Experience a night of soulful melodies with Maxwell at Hard Rock Casino.

Dockside Live featuring Tristan Sheedloe

6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy original tunes and 90s grunge covers while relaxing by the riverfront.

Lola Blu & the Boys Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Winnebago County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Experience the captivating blend of country and southern rock with rising star Lola Blu.

RAMP River Run Half Marathon

11 AM — Downtown Rockford — Registration fee required — A spirited half marathon encouraging competition and community fun to cap off the summer.