Good morning, Rockford.

Riverside Family Restaurant held its ribbon-cutting yesterday at 3415 E.

State St. in Rockford. The family-owned restaurant now offers homestyle meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Miracle Mile area and plans to serve the local community with veteran discounts and charity drives.

Illinois law classifies knowingly keeping misdirected packages as theft and may result in fines, so if you find a package with another's name at your door, do not open it but instead contact the shipping service for pickup.

Veterans Memorial Hall has been added to the holiday train exhibit at Nicholas Conservatory (1354 N.

Second St.) as a miniature model honoring local Civil War veterans. The display, built by a Kentucky firm and funded by an anonymous donor, runs through Jan. 25.

Rockford Public Schools 205 narrowed its superintendent search to three external candidates following Superintendent Ehren Jarrett’s departure for Hononegah.

Union representatives and teachers want a chance to meet the finalists before the board makes its final decision.

The U.S. House approved a bill on Monday, Dec.

9 to rename the USPS building at 5225 Harrison Ave as the Jay P. Larson Post Office Building, honoring the late letter carrier (who died in 2024). The measure now awaits the president's signature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience

4-11 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Cost info not provided — Sip on festive cocktails and soak in the Christmas decor for a fun holiday season celebration.