OMG It’s OSD’s Epic Party Prelude to Four Days of Summer Fun

MARIANNE MUELLER PHOTO The Herald
DJ’s from WJVL gathered with supporters and volunteers from the OSD committee at the OMG…It’s OSD’s Epic party on Saturday, April 13 at the American Center. T-Shirts, concert tickets and water bottles were part of the day’s prize giveaways.

OMG It’s OSD’s Epic party prelude to four days of summer fun
By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
In a day-long event the Rockton Lions Club welcomed the public to the OMG It’s OSD’s Epic party on Saturday, April 13. Fun with Cornhole games allowed guests to toss bags into a hole to win a special prize basket. Later in the day a giant sized “Connect 4, Mega 4 in a Line” game and a Jumbling Tower (another form of Jenga) was added to create more laughter and challenges.
Action remained at the American Center where live remotes where done by The Bull, WJVL and the Q98.5. Each station promoted the Rockton Lions Old Settlers Days Festival and announced headliners. Lion Monique Weaver spoke about the money going back into the community. Party guests took chances on winning tickets, Meet and Greets, and discounts on the OSD Fun Run.
Walking tacos and hot dogs were served by volunteers from the American Legion Post #332, Ladies Auxiliary and from the community.
An after party continued at fibs.
The OMG It’s OSD’s Epic party was the perfect start to bringing four days of family fun to the Stateline. Action starts on June 13 with a blood drive from 1- 8 p.m. at the Greater Rockton Community Center. All who give blood will receive a free 4 day General Admission OSD pass. Anyone who brings a pair of eyeglasses to recycle will earn another free pass. There is a two pass limit per donor.
Settler’s Park is where fun will be found. Headlining main stage entertainment on Thursday night is Mitchell Tenpenny with Kelleigh Bannen. Sounds of Rap come to life with Flo Rida with Too White Crew. Saturday evening country sounds return as Justin Moore with Adam Hambrick take the stage. Rounding out musical acts on Sunday night is Collective Soul with the Gin Blossoms.
Music that visitors will find in the beer tent includes: Kevin Burns- Good Vibrations, The Gilligan’s, Distilled, JC3, and Dirty Fishnet Stockings; each playing different genres of music.
Get ready to take a spin on carnival rides and play games at a by midway Skinner’s Amusements. Different food booths will cater to every taste and budget. More fun comes in the form of bull riding, Saturday’s parade, raffles and 50/50’s. Various vendors will have items to purchase. Top sponsors can enjoy concerts and food in the Lions Den VIP Tent. Weather permitting fireworks will conclude the festivities after the final concert is finished.
Those who are up for a competitive challenge will want to be part of the fun run to benefit the Carrie Lynn Center on Saturday, June 15. The 5K course is USATF Certified. Following check in, and packet pickups, an opening ceremony consists of a colors presentation and singing of our National Anthem.
The course begins at the Hononegah High School south parking lot. Registration fees for adults for both the 5-k and zero K are $30, and children 12 and under $15. Early registration should be done by May 25. Late (online) registration fees after June 10, by 6 a.m. are $40. Race questions may be directed to John Schamell at [email protected] or call 815-200-1096. All participants get cool swag items such as the 2015 OSD Tech-shirt, OSD four day festival pass if over 12 years of age, and OSD 5K water bottle, free admission to the Rockton Volunteer Association pancake breakfast, plus other awesome goodies!
Results will be tallied by a professional electronic bib chip timing method. Age divisions run eight and under to ages up to over 70. Best overall male and female, and top three finishers in each age group earn an OSD 5K medal, winner concert badge and a meet and greet pass for the main performer on Saturday evening. The first 350 participants will receive the OSD5K Medal. First, second and third place winners of each division will receive the OSD5K medal and winner concert badge.
For those who may be unable to walk or run in the fun run to benefit the Carrie Lynn participation is now much easier. The option of helping from your couch has been added with a Zero-K. All participants also receive an OSD5K shirt, festival pass and admission to the post run breakfast. Those who opt to join in the fun on race day can line up with participants who are walking and finish the race at the starting line.
A full schedule of events, pricing, specials, and details on different parts of this year’s festival can be found on the Rockton Lions Club Old Settlers Days website.