Raiders in Rockford, IL tonight!
ROCKFORD ? An evening of live music, family events, good food, Indiana Jones, free popcorn and plenty more await those who spend this evening in downtown Rockford.
Among the events:
The Rockford City Market debuts from 3 to 7 p.m. along Water Street between State and Jefferson streets. It will feature about 25 vendors and artisans selling fresh produce and crafts. Musicians Frank Calvagna and Mike Youngblood will provide entertainment starting at 4 p.m., and there will be activities for children.
After the market, the fun continues at Davis Park with Friday Night Flix, featuring family friendly movies on Fridays at 7 p.m. all summer long. There will be free popcorn, and moviegoers can also buy food, soda, beer and wine from on-site vendors. Tonight?s feature is ?Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.?
Free trolley rides will take visitors and families on a loop from the museum campus on North Main Street to stops throughout the downtown, including the theater district on Main Street, restaurant district on East State Street, the Rockford City Market and to Davis Park. Trolleys will run from 3:30 to 11:25 p.m.
It?s hoped the new events will give a boost to a city fatigued by high unemployment and other problems, said Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority Board Chairman Mike Dunn.
And it is an opportunity to challenge preconceptions of residents who perhaps for years haven?t visited the downtown, Dunn said.
Friday Night Flicks, a free event, will reintroduce residents to Davis Park, a venue that Dunn said has been underutilized for years.
?This is a chance for our taxpayers to come down and enjoy an evening with friends, neighbors and family,? Dunn said.