By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — For Markesha Brown-Currin, the start of the Stroll on State parade was like being sent back in time to her childhood.
The Rockford resident said she found herself doing all the things a kid does: cheer for the giant floats and fire trucks, grab candy flung through the air and otherwise get lost in the holiday spirit.
“It was amazing,” she said. “I turned into a 5-year-old again.”
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Brown-Currin and her family were among thousands of people who filled the downtown streets on Saturday for the 11th annual Stroll on State, which transforms several city blocks into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed decorations, music, treats and activities.
“It’s been great getting the holiday season started,” she said. “Now I can go home, decorate, get everything started for Christmas. It’s the start of the season now.”
Photos: Stroll on State 2023 in downtown Rockford
The event is coordinated by the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and paid for by a host of sponsors who contribute to everything from parade floats to music stages and fireworks.
“They do such a tremendous job, and it’s such a great way to support Rockford and to bring people downtown for Rockford,” said Jan Hagenlocher of Rockford. “You just see so many people that you know … a lot of laughter, a lot of fun.”
Last year Stroll on State drew an estimated 70,000 people, according to the visitors bureau. About 75% come from Winnebago County, and about 5% come from outside Illinois.
“You run into people you haven’t seen in years and you catch up really quickly, and you eat some great food and just kind of enjoy the spirit of the season,” said Breanne Webster, a North Boone High School graduate now living in Oak Park with her husband, Henry, and their 2-year-old daughter, Frances.
The event begins with the Dasher Dash run at noon before the parade featuring giant inflatable balloons steps off two hours later. The evening closes at 9 p.m. after a fireworks show.
“It makes you remember being a kid yourself and what Christmas can feel like or what the holiday season can feel like, and who doesn’t love that,” said Kristen Paul, executive vice president of the visitors bureau.
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Carolina Rodriguez-Bell said she enjoyed exploring the festival grounds with her husband, Jonathan Bell.
“I feel like I’m in a different city and I love how Rockford is stepping up their game,” she said. “I’m discovering a lot of things.”
Jonathan Bell said the atmosphere and the environment in downtown is beautiful during Stroll.
“Seeing all the smiles on all the families that are here, it’s a joyous occasion for all of Rockford,” he said.
This article is by Steve Summers and Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas