October 7th and 8th at the 52nd annual Autumn on Parade! This fun-filled family-friendly event celebrates our small town in a BIG way!
Our 2023 festival offers a wide variety of activities for the young and young at heart. Our Schedule of Events will reflect times and additional details as we approach the festival weekend!
Since its creation in 1970, the heart of Autumn on Parade has always been the Market. From humble beginnings of a seven-vendor market on Third Street to an average of 180 booths now located on and surrounding the Ogle County Courthouse Square, one detail has remained steadfast: our vendors sell homegrown, handmade, homemade items. A stroll through the market will reveal a wide variety of shopping options ranging from children’s clothing, fashion accessories, casual wear, and quilts, to bittersweet, baked goods, produce, soap, jewelry, home décor, and unique artisan items.
A Fun Zone for the kids, located on Fifth Street behind the coliseum, will feature Miller’s Petting Zoo, inflatables, specialty entertainment, and more. These outdoor interactive options are sure to keep the young ones happy, occupied, and engaged!
Local not-for-profit organizations, as well as a few small businesses from the area who support one, offer up everything from pork chop sandwiches, Mexican cuisine, and stuffed baked potatoes, to hotdogs, brats, burgers, kettle corn, and more! Tempting aromas will lead you south of the square to Jefferson Street (opposite the stage). Most are open both days from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Every booth is staffed with volunteers whose goal is to raise money to give back to the community at large, creating a win-win for all!
An Auto Classic (coordinated by Focus House, Rochelle) and an Antique Tractor Show (brought to you by longtime local farming families) are two of our Saturday Only special features held just across the Rock River at Oregon Park East. It’s a Vintage Automobile, Farmalls and Olivers, John Deere loving dream come true!
Chana School, the centerpiece of this Park East scenic setting, is a historic completely restored two-room schoolhouse, which is also open for touring on Saturday Only. Food is available on site.
After last year’s success and being strongly encouraged by public input, we’ve decided to continue the Entertainment HotSpot which includes a Beer Garden on Saturday. Music begins at 1:00 p.m. and runs until 8:00 p.m. Stay tuned for information on performers and bands. A huge thank you to “Tipsy Hog” for managing the beverages end of this portion. This is a 21 or older fenced area. An entry fee and ID are required.
Our one-mile “Fun Run” and the 5K launch festivities on Sunday morning at the Blackhawk Center, which is located on the west edge of town adjacent to our school campus. Entry forms are available for printing or use the online registration option!
The Harvest Time Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. sharp, winding its way from 10th and Jefferson Street through downtown Oregon. Loaded with nonstop specialty performances, marching bands, youth groups, and a few surprises, our parade boasts of being the largest in Northern Illinois and is proud to have Jesse White Tumblers and South Shore Drill Team in the lineup!
Remember to support the festival by purchasing a 6 pack of 60/40 tickets. Who knows? Your $5 might just buy the winning ticket!
Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and share the love of Autumn on Parade!
*** psssst … we are always looking for volunteers. Show your support by donating a few hours of your time to assist with setup, tear down, or during the event itself. Your time and skill set will be put to good use, and the contacts, resources, and friendships you receive in return, well … total bonus!!!