Rockton partnering with others to bring Halloween events, safe family fun

By Marianne Mueller

REPORTER

The Village of Rockton is partnering with Beloit International Film Fest to bring one of many fun activities to the Stateline. On Friday evening, Oct. 30 families are invited to a Drive-In- Movie night featuring “The Goonies’ at Rockton Athletic Fields.

“Adding to a fun evening is a full concession stand that will be run by the Roscoe Rockton Junior Indians. Families may start driving in at 5:30 p.m. prior to a showtime of 7 p.m. This event is free thanks to a generous donation given by First National Bank & Trust Company.

Stateline Kids of Rockford and the Village of Rockton are planning a Main St. Rock or Treat event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Halloween day. Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume for this socially distanced rock hunt resulting in prizes being given by downtown businesses.

A map will be posted listing the hunting area. Each business is offering a rock that has been painted by someone in their business. If one is needed a key or legend will be posted. Once a rock is found turn it into the business in exchange for a prize.

Rock searches will be adjusted to suit different age groups. Sixteen Rockton businesses are participating. All parents and children are asked to please wear masks to help keep up with COVID-19 safety measures.

Based on the popularity of Rockton’s “Rockton Rocks” Erin Sturm of Stateline Kids has teamed up with Tricia Diduch of the Village of Rockton. Together they have expanded on this activity but added a different twist.

“I came up with the idea of a rock hunt with prizes being given from local businesses,” Sturm said. “Tricia and I collaborated on ways to make it a socially distanced Halloween event. Rockton has a great tradition with Rockton Rocks where rocks people hide rocks around the village for others to find. I found inspiration from that as well as a neighborhood event in Rockford.

“Stateline Kids has hosted several virtual events during the spring including a virtual Easter egg hunt and an 815 Chalk Your Walk event. This is our first in person event that we have helped organize.”

A new, first time event called, “Halloween Witches Parade” is sure to draw great attention on Halloween day. Rachel Lynch is the organizer of this event. Lynch’s inspiration came from seeing pictures over the years of this event on the west coast.

“My Girl Scout Troop Co-leader and I were “Small Watercraft Certified” last summer and started kayaking local waterways and we love it,” Lynch said. “Women coming together, using their power to support each other and this combined with the community is the magic I see these days!”

If weather permits, participants will be putting their personal canoes, kayaks or paddle boats into the river entrance at Macktown Forest Preserve, Settlers Park, and the Rockton boat ramp or at Hononegah Forest Preserve. Action begins at noon.

Pure Halloween fun is right around the corner in Rockton including Traditional Trick or Treating from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night.