Oregon’s Autumn on Parade is This Weekend
Oregon's famous festival, proudly organized and operated by community volunteers, is celebrating it's 48th anniversary this weekend, October 6-7.
I've often thought that when the leaves begin changing, there is no prettier drive in the entire state of Illinois than the drive down Route 2 from Rockford to Oregon. Particularly magnificent are the bluffs along the Rock River near the Eternal Indian (or, as it's more commonly known, Blackhawk) statue.
When you see the statue, you're about to enter Oregon, and that's the epicenter for Autumn on Parade.
Some of the particulars on this weekend's event:
- The heart of Autumn on Parade is its Farmer's Market and Craft Fair, located on the historic Ogle County Courthouse Square in downtown Oregon where more than 175 craft booths surround the 125-year-old Ogle County Courthouse.
- On Saturday, antique tractors and classic cars will be on display at Oregon Park East, just across the Rock River.
- Owners of Olivers, Farmalls, and Deeres are more than willing to share the history of their tractors and visitors won’t want to miss The Focus House Car Show.
- Also on Saturday, kids and adults can take part in the Donut Eating Contest near the courthouse square.
- On both days, the Fun Zone, located just north of the Courthouse Square, offers a place for kids to burn off some energy. Admission provides all-day use.
- Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, once the home of Chicago Daily News owner Walter Strong, will host its annual Olde English Faire both days.
- At 1 p.m., on Sunday the Harvest Time Parade, featuring 100-plus units, makes its way through the downtown and past the courthouse square.