Good morning, Rockford.

Applications for vendors, parade participants, volunteers and runners in the Dasher Dash 5K are open for the 13th annual Stroll on State in downtown Rockford, which will run from 2 to 9 p.m. on Nov.

29. Deadline details are: vendors by Oct. 17 and parade participants by Nov. 10—race registration is due by Nov. 1—ensuring a day of family fun with a parade, tree lighting, drone show and fireworks.

Rockford Police arrested Terrance Moore, 38, for allegedly hitting a woman in the eye with a hammer on Aug 16 around midnight on the 600 block of Score Street—witnesses confirmed she grabbed the tool in self-defense while he also violated a ban from Rockford Housing Authority properties.

Rockford Police arrested Jordan Rothenbach, 34, for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child after DCFS reported improper touching on June 24 — a 9-year-old victim said the alleged abuse occurred in 2018 and he was granted pretrial release on August 19.

City officials opened bids to demolish the former Elks Club and nearby law offices in downtown Rockford with a low bid of $233,108 while awaiting a Historic Preservation Commission review and public safety findings.

Owner McInnis will hold an online auction September 15—17 in hopes of attracting a buyer who can restore the historic building.

City officials approved a multi-million dollar renovation plan for Davis Park—valued at over $15 million—to add a skate park, playground and stage as construction is set to begin this year and finish by June 2026.

The City of Rockford has completed an EV Readiness Program with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd to help residents and businesses transition to electric vehicles—making it easier to install EV charging stations.

The program will modernize transportation while supporting a cleaner, sustainable future.

Rockford residents now have a list of 10 top breakfast spots based on online ratings—this guide highlights places like Stockholm Inn and Johnny Pamcakes where locals can start their day with hearty meals.

The rankings use feedback on service, atmosphere and price to help people choose their favorite diner.

Dinner on the Dock with Random AF

5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Varied food and drink costs — Enjoy high-energy covers from the vibrant band Random AF while dining on the riverfront.

Ginuwine Concert

7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.

Dockside Live featuring Honey Cellar

6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Unwind with live folk rock sounds and scenic riverfront views.

Dinner on the Dock featuring Flannel Daze

5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Food and drinks available — Enjoy live 90s rock and grunge hits while dining riverside in a lively atmosphere.

Cruise Night 2025

5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.

Greenwich Village Art Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.