Rockford Park District’s “Swan Celebration” is Saturday

Normally, people don't gather in large groups to watch and celebrate two individuals moving into their new digs. However, when those individuals are two beautiful swans, and their new home is the Eclipse Lagoon in Sinnissippi Riverfront Park, it's cause for a celebration. Best of all, you're invited.

Always a good friend of the WROK Morning Show, Laura Gibbs-Green of the Rockford Park District dropped me a note this morning with details on the Park District's Swan Celebration this Saturday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. on the facility’s Riverview Terrace, 1354 N. Second St. They'll introduce the two swans to their new home at Eclipse Lagoon in Sinnissippi Riverfront Park. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.

These six month old female swans replace the two previous swans-in-residence, Pride, who died at age 17 in December 2015, and Joy, who passed away in 2011 age at 15. The Rockford Park District Foundation held a successful “Swanathon 2” fundraising campaign earlier this year, and raised $3,500 to help purchase the new swans. Each swan cost $1,330 ($2,660 total), and the remainder of the funds will be used for care and winter bedding.

The names of the swans will be announced at the May 28 celebration, following a recent naming contest held via Facebook (Will there be a Swanny McSwanFace?). Rockford Park District’s “Goose Patrol” will also be on hand at the celebration with materials to educate the public on the importance of not feeding bread etc., to the swans or geese, and to recruit volunteers for the Park District’s goose management program. A swan craft activity will also be part of the celebration event.

No confirmation yet as to whether or not the two new swans have been practicing their "synchronized swanning:"

For more information on all the cool things the Rockford Park District has going on, click here.