By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Stroll on State returns for its 12th season on Saturday. The annual kick off to the holiday season brought an estimated 81,825 people to downtown last year.
Here’s a breakdown of what you may need to know before you set out to Stroll.
When is Stroll on State?
Stroll on State happens from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30.
The annual event, which is now in its 12th year, always takes place the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
When is the Dasher Dash 5K?
The pre-Stroll holiday-themed race through downtown starts at noon on Saturday at Beattie Park, near 100 Park Ave. in downtown.
The race costs $40 for adults or $25 for children ages 12 and younger. Registration closes at 5 p.m. Friday. There is no same-day race registration.
Sign up for the race HERE.
Where is Stroll on State?
Stroll on State covers several blocks downtown, running generally from Third Street on the east, Church Street on the west, Chestnut Street on the south and Jefferson Street on the north.
Use the map above to find everything from fire pits to adult beverages, ice skating, parking, restrooms and more.
What is the live music lineup?
There is live music on two stages. The Silver Bell Stage is behind Jimmy John’s on East State Street and the Main Stage is near the BMO Center at North Main and Elm streets.
Here’s a look at the lineup:
Silver Bell Stage
(Behind Jimmy John’s on East State Street)
3 p.m. – Groove Hotel
3:50 p.m. – Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames
4:55 p.m.– Swingbilly RFD
6:45 p.m. – Rollin’ Whiskey
7:50 p.m. – Henhouse Prowlers
Main Stage
(Near the BMO Center)
3 p.m. – Grupo Lokeron
3:50 p.m. – The Peppermint Patties
4:55 p.m. – City First Band
6 p.m. – tree lighting and drone show
6:45 p.m. – Josh Caterer Trio
7:50 p.m. Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
How to see the Stroll on State Parade
The Merry & Bright Stroll on State parade steps off at 2 p.m. from North Main and Green streets in downtown. It turns east on State Street and crosses the bridge continuing until its conclusion around Third Street.
This year’s parade features nine giant balloons, including a new design sponsored by Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
How do you get your Stroll on State shirt?
More than 2,600 people voted to select this year’s official Stroll on State shirts and hoodies.
Three winning designs were chosen. They were made by Abbey Brynolf (Design No. 10), Alex Miramontes (Design No. 103), and Ana Ramirez Castaneda (Design No. 133).
You can order yours by going HERE.
Where can you park for Stroll on State?
There is parking available at many municipal surface lots and parking decks in downtown, as well as some on-street parking options.
The parking decks will charge a $5 event rate at the Main Street North deck across from the Coronado Theatre and at the Church Street South parking deck adjacent to the BMO Center.
Parking is restricted at the State and Main streets parking deck and the Elm and Wyman streets parking deck.
You can also park remotely at three areas with shuttle service. Shuttles depart every 20 minutes starting at 1:30 p.m. from all three sites. The drop off point is near Third and State streets. The final shuttles will depart at 9:30 p.m.
- SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd.: Paratransit buses are available at this location only.
- Crusader Community Health, 1200 W. State St.
- Bethesda Covenant Church, 2101 E. State St.
When is the tree lighting ceremony and drone show?
The Stroll on State tree-lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Main and Elm streets in downtown.
The new aerial drone show will immediately follow the tree lighting, with 200 drones rising into the sky southeast above the main stage.
What roads are closed?
All roads within the footprint of the event will close at 6 a.m. to allow for setup. Those roads are Jefferson Street to the north, Church Street to the west, Chestnut/Walnut Street to the south and Third Street to the east.
Other road closures are:
- Main Street from Cedar Street north to Chestnut will be closed at noon for parade staging. Those using Main Street north will be detoured at Cedar Street.
- Jefferson Street bridge will be closed to all traffic from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the fireworks display.
- Third Street will be reduced to two lanes of travel from Walnut Street north to Jefferson Street from noon until 5 p.m.
When are the fireworks?
The annual fireworks show concludes the night at 8:30 p.m. over the Jefferson Street bridge.
You can see the fireworks from any spot where you can see the bridge.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas