Glow in the Garden Festival now two nights – at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

submitted photo The Journal
Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens will be holding its second Glow in the Garden Festival.

Rockford Park District’s Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens invites the community to wear anything that glows, and experience its second Glow in the Garden Festival, expanded from last year’s one-night debut into two evenings of fun to mark the end of summer, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20 and 21, 6 to 9 p.m. Purchase one or more floating lanterns to personalize with your own message and release into the Eclipse Lagoon, run a unique, glowing 5k along the Rock River, and enjoy fun interactive family stations throughout the gardens. There is something for everyone. Admission to the outdoor grounds is free; fees are charged for the 5k run and Lagoon lantern purchase.
Activity Schedule for Friday, Sept. 20
-6 to 9 p.m. Glow in the Garden Lanterns – $5 per lantern; lanterns may be purchased at the event, pre-purchased at Nicholas Conservatory or by calling 815-987-8858. Pre-purchased lanterns can be picked up at the Eclipse Lagoon on the evening of the event.
-7 p.m. Glow in the Garden 200-meter Kids Fun Run – free; Start by the Rock Men Guardians sculpture at south end of auxiliary parking lot
-7:30 p.m. Glow in the Garden 5k Run – Fast, flat, scenic course along the Rock River Recreation Path and Nicholas Conservatory/Sinnissippi Gardens. Wear anything that glows. There will be black lights, glowing stations, and other fun glow surprises throughout the course, which starts by the Rock Men Guardians sculpture, south end of auxiliary parking lot. In-kind sponsors of the event are Fleet Feet Sports Rockford, Culligan, and Luxe Productions.
Glow in the Garden 5k Run – Entry fee includes T-shirt, beverage ticket, and Conservatory admission ticket. Rockford Road Runner members receive a 10 percent entry discount through Sept. 19. Entry fees are:
Early registration (through Aug. 25) – $25
Regular registration (Aug. 26 Sept. 19) – $30
Day-of-run registration (Sept. 20) – $35
Ages 12 and younger – $10
To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Rockford/GlowintheGarden5k
Activity Schedule for Saturday, September 21, 2019
-6 to 9 p.m. Glow in the Garden Lanterns – $5 per lantern; lanterns may be purchased at the event, pre-purchased at Nicholas Conservatory or by calling 815-987-8858. Pre-purchased lanterns can be picked up at the Eclipse Lagoon on the evening of the event.
-6 to 9 p.m. Family Activities throughout the gardens (included with Conservatory admission)
“What began as a one-evening debut event in 2018 was so popular, it has been expanded this year into two nights of family fun for the community to enjoy,” said Lyndi Toohill, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Operations Manager. For more information about Glow in the Garden, visit www.nicholasconservatory.com/glow-in-the-garden or call 815-987-8858, where information on accessibility for visitors with disabilities and special needs is also available. Information on Nicholas Conservatory and its hours, admission fees, programs, events, exhibits, and rentals is at www.nicholasconservatory.com. The Conservatory is located at 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford.