Rockford mayor declares week-long celebration of early childhood development programs
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has proclaimed April 5th – 11th as 'The Week of the Young Child,' in conjunction with a national movement to encourage early childhood learning and development.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) organizes and promotes the week-long event that highlights the role of early childhood education in shaping an individual's future.
Each day this week revolves around a different theme, with today being Music Monday, focusing on the importance of music in a child's development.
'We use it all throughout our entire day. We use it as a vehicle for academics. We use it as a vehicle to move kids from one area to another, like transitions,' said Summerdale Early Childhood Center Principal Dr. Jennifer Lak-Keilman. 'Music can be linked to being a vehicle to help children learn their phonetic awareness words, putting things together. Also, math concepts can be tied to music, and we can use them for rhythm and for counting activities and such.'
'Early childhood programs play a key role in the development of language skills, social-emotional skills, those crucial foundational skills for reading, math skills, and even when you think social studies, taking care of the environment, ecology, and things like that are all learned during these young years,' said executive director of Early Chilhood Education Kim Nelson.
Harlem High School, at 1 Huskie Circle, in Machesney Park, will host a 'Week of the Young Child' family fun fair on Saturday, April 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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She also starred in Broadway's 'Aida.'Rockford Connection: Born and raised in Rockford, attended Auburn High School. Profession: Actor, singerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1960, Mazzie was a Tony-nominated Broadway star for 'Passion'(1994), 'Ragtime' (1998), and 'Kiss Me, Kate' (1999). Known for her powerful soprano voice, she appeared in 'Next to Normal' and 'Bullets Over Broadway.' She died in Connection: Born and raised in Rockford. Profession: Actor, director, producerNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1962, Mantello won Tony Awards for directing 'Take Me Out' (2003) and 'Assassins' (2004). He earned a Tony nomination for acting in Angels in America (1993) and directed Broadway hits like 'Wicked.'Rockford Connection: Born in Rockford. Profession: PoliticianNotable Achievements: Born in Rockford in 1922, Anderson served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois (1961–81) and ran as an independent in the 1980 presidential election, earning 6.6% of the vote. Known for his progressive Republican views, he's a significant figure in Rockford's political history. Anderson died in Connection: Lifelong resident of Rockford. Profession: Astronaut, engineerNotable Achievements: Born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1956, Voss grew up in Rockford and flew on five NASA Space Shuttle missions, logging over 18 million miles in space. She contributed to International Space Station experiments and earned degrees from Purdue and MIT. She died in Connection: Raised in Rockford during childhood. Profession: Rock bandNotable Achievements: Formed in Rockford in 1974, Cheap Trick achieved global fame with hits like 'Surrender,' 'I Want You to Want Me,' and 'Dream Police.' The band's original members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. They've sold over 20 million records and remain a Rockford cultural Connection: Formed in Rockford. All members of the band except Robin Zander were born in the Forest City. 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10 music festivals in the Rockford, Illinois area for 2025
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford, Illinois region is a vibrant hub for music festivals, blending country, rock, cultural performances, and local talent. These events combine live music with food, family activities, and community spirit. Here is a list of 10 music festivals in the Rockford area for 2025. Location: Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, RockfordDate: Tuesdays, May 27–August 26, 2025Time: 5:45 p.m. opener, 6:30 p.m. headlinerDescription: A summer concert series held in the serene Anderson Japanese Gardens, featuring local, regional, and national acts in genres like folk, blues, and indie. Guests bring lawn chairs or blankets for a relaxed outdoor experience. Food and beverages are Headliners: Visit for a list of weekly headlinersCost: Free admission for Premium Garden members. Non-members:Adults $13, seniors $12, students and military, $11. Kids 5 & under free Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June to AugustTime: 7 A free summer concert series at the historic Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, showcasing local and regional talent across rock, jazz, and soul. Headliners: .Cost: Tickets range from $5 to $25 Location: Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., RockfordDate: June 19, 2025Description: Illinois' longest-running Juneteenth celebration. Organized by Rockford community activist Tommy Meeks, the festival honors Black history with live music and Free admission Location: Settlers Park, downtown RocktonDate: June 12–15, 2025Description: Hosted by the Rockton Lions, this four-day festival features carnival rides, food stalls, and a major country music lineup, drawing crowds to downtown Headliners: Priscilla Block with Greylan James, Kameron Marlowe with Dylan Schneider, Dylan Scott with Payton Smith and Chris Cagle with Lainie Tickets are $20–$35. General admission: $6–$10, kids 12 and under free. Location: Loves Park Festival Grounds, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves ParkDate: July 26, 2025 Time: 1-10 A free, all-day festival with live music, food trucks, a car show, vendors, and fireworks. It's family-friendly with a kids' activity area and a diverse lineup of Headliners: Nauti Nauti, Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton tribute), Petty Kings (Tom Petty tribute), Funky Monks (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute)Details: Free admission Location: Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford, ILDate: June 29, 2025Time: 3-7 A celebration of Black culture with live music, food vendors, and community engagement, highlighting local artists in hip-hop, R&B, and Headliners: Just Fine (Mary J. Blige tribute)Details: Free admission Location: Boylan Catholic High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, RockfordDate: August 1–3, 2025Description: A three-day festival celebrating Italian heritage with bocce tournaments, carnival rides, and authentic Italian food. Music includes traditional Italian performances, rock, country and Headliners: Visit for lineup General admission, $8. Kids 7 and under are free. Location: Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 IL-76, BelvidereDate: Aug. 5–10, 2025Description: A major county fair with carnival rides, tractor pulls, 4-H exhibits, and grandstand concerts, focusing on country music. It's a regional favorite with fair food and Headliner: Justin Moore with Noah HicksCost: Check for ticket prices and bundles. Location: Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., PecatonicaDate: Aug. 13–17, 2025Description: A historic fair since 1921, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music in the entertainment Headliners: TBD. Visit for $5-$15 admission Location: Stephenson County Fairgrounds, 2250 W. Walnut Road., FreeportDate: August 19–23, 2025 (based on regional fair scheduling)Description: A regional fair with pony rides, livestock competitions, tractor pulls, and live music on the grandstand and side Headliners: Check for Admission $11.30 single day, bundles and season passes available What did we miss? Let us know and we'll add it to the list. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
