Daily
Rockford
Monday, November 24th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 24th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At the 2025 Falliday Baazar in Machesney Park, 94 vendors offered tasty treats and handcrafted items to kick off the holiday season while 40 vendors donated door prizes, according to organizer Stacy Moore. Moore, who began the event a decade ago, said the community has long supported local vendors—many of whom are disabled or looking for extra income. WIFR
- ➤ VetsRoll, founded by Mark Finnegan, his brother John and their spouses to honor their late parents — Cy and Barbara Finnegan, is a finalist for the 2025 Excelsior Award. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rock River Valley Pantry distributed Thanksgiving meal boxes to 250 families in the Stateline area Saturday morning — the event helped meet growing food needs during the holiday season. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford will host its annual Stroll on State event, starting with the Dasher Dash 5K at noon on Nov. 28, followed by a parade at 2 p.m., a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy local food from more than 50 vendors, meet Santa and use shuttles from designated sites as the celebration ends at 9 p.m. with final rides at 9:30 p.m. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Fifty children met local heroes today at Blain’s Farm & Fleet during the annual Holidays & Heroes shopping day hosted by Blue 815 and the Jaimie Cox Foundation in partnership with local law enforcement agencies. The event featured the Rockford Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, and Gigi’s Playhouse—designed to encourage ongoing interactions with first responders. WIFR
- ➤ Local groups will serve free Thanksgiving meals for those in need near Rockford. The Rockford Rescue Mission will host a banquet on Nov. 26 at 12 p.m., while Court Street United Methodist Church offers turkey dinners on Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—furthermore, the Salvation Army in Beloit and the Tensley Foundation in Freeport will provide hot, home-cooked meals on Nov. 25 and Nov. 27 respectively. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Yesterday, the Light Up the Parks event lit up Machesney and Loves Park with a Christmas tree lighting, dazzling fireworks, glowing floats, and candy treats for local families. The parade ended with Santa and Mrs. Claus posing for festive photos—bringing a warm holiday spirit to both communities. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford area box stores will open on Black Friday, November 28, with hours varying widely to meet early-bird shoppers' needs. Walmart, Target, and Home Depot start at 6 a.m. while JCPenney opens at 5 a.m. and Costco at 10 a.m.—all planning extended hours for holiday deals. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local dancers took the stage yesterday at the 18th annual Dancing with the Rockford Stars event that raised funds for Family Counseling Services—teams competed for the People’s Choice Award and the Judges’ Choice Award with the winning team taking home the Mirror Ball Trophy. WTVO
- ➤ Downtown Rockford buzzes as residents debate if the holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, with some saying the season began on Nov. 1 while others mark its start after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—local opinions rise as Stroll on State approaches in less than a week. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Employers in the Rockford Sun publication area submitted 382 H-2A petitions in 2024 for temporary agricultural work—381 were approved, marking a 52.9% drop from 2023 based on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Rockford Sun
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dylan and Mariyah from Team 10 Bowling, both diagnosed with autism, are set to compete in Decatur on Dec. 6 in the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament after winning first at the regional meet last year. Coach Stacey Weigel said the athletes worked hard to build their skills—preparing them for the state event. WTVO
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2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot
2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.
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Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk
12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.
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An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.
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The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.
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Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland
11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.
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NLI’s Holiday Open House
4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.
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2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration
6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.
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An Evening with Kevin Gordon
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.
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A Christmas Carol Performance
7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.
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Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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