Downtown Rochelle will be bustling with activity the first weekend in December for the Old Fashioned Christmas Walk! The event has grown to include events all weekend December 7, 8, and 9. Many downtown stores will be open until 7:30pm on Friday, December 7.
Start your weekend by visiting Santa at the Flagg Township Museum from 4:00-9:00PM on Friday evening. The Flagg Township Museum will decorate a special place for Santa Claus to meet your children and hear their wishes for Christmas. There is no charge to enter the museum for this special occasion. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and parents don’t forget your cameras!
Bed races will run down Lincoln Highway at 7:00. Teams of five decorate a bed. With one “rider” the group pushes their bed down the street. The fastest team wins a prize and of course, bragging rights.
Already many entries have been received for the Lighted Parade! Watch as our local businesses and organizations roll through the Downtown with Holiday themed vehicles. Watch for RMU’s decorated trucks and the Fire Department’s Old Gertie carrying Santa through the parade! The parade kicks of at 5:30 on Friday, travels through the Downtown and ends at City Hall for the Community Tree Lighting. The City Manager and Santa will light the Community Tree and the Middle School Chorus will sing carols.
The Seventh Annual Christmas Tree Festival is open at City Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 Friday evening, with bidding coming to a close at 6:30 sharp. You’ll be able to find the perfect gift or decoration for your home at the Festival with tabletop trees, gift baskets, wreaths, centerpieces, and more available for silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction benefit the Homeless Shelter. Warm beverages and treats will be served.
Plenty of good food will be available throughout the downtown Friday night! The Rochelle Fire Department will be serving up their world famous pork chop sandwiches and the Masonic Temple will be serving a chili & soup dinner. Head downtown again on Sunday for the VFW’s breakfast with Santa! Breakfast will be served from 8:00-11:00 and includes pancakes, sausage, milk, juice, and a picture with Santa for $5 per person.
All ages are invited to warm up at the Hub City Senior Center with cream chicken & biscuits dinner with mashed potatoes, peas, and a delicious dessert and coffee! The fun starts at 4:30 and ends at 7:30. You’ll enjoy live Christmas music and handcrafted items for holiday gift giving. Order your tickets now by calling 562-5050.
Come to the library between 6:15 and 7:30 on Friday to enjoy stories by the Christmas tree read by area celebrities, crafts, treats and fun. This is a night designed for the whole family. All ages are welcome!
Visit the Rochelle Performing Arts Center in the Lincoln Mall on Lincoln Highway to see their ballerinas in a special performance throughout the evening. Treats will be served.
An Ugly Sweater Contest will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Lifeworks Imaging. Wear your sweater and visit Lifeworks for a complimentary photo op and to enter the contest. Winners will be chosen in four categories: men, women, children, and family. The winners will be posted on the Chamber of Commerce website after the event.
Friday night ends with a drawing for a TV! To enter, visit a participating downtown business on Friday evening to purchase a raffle ticket. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held at 7:30 sharp at the Masonic Temple. You must be present to win.
The Rochelle Park District will host a Christmas Lights and Holiday Home Decorating Contest on Thursday, December 6th. Awards will be given for the best overall light and lawn display and the best Old Fashioned Christmas Themed Home. Registration forms can be picked up at the Park District office, located at 735 N. 2nd Street. There is no cost to enter, and winners will receive gift cards. Only the first 10 homes to register will be judged. Registration deadline is Wednesday, December 5th at 5:00pm. Judging of the homes will be held on Thursday, December 6th beginning at 6:00pm.
Come to the Library at 6:00PM on Saturday in your pajamas for a complimentary showing of “Santa Buddies”! Snacks will be served. The doors open at 6:00PM and the movie begins at 6:30PM sharp!