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More than 600 people attended Resthave Care & Rehabilitation's annual Family Fun Day on Sept. 29, 2024. The free event, which encourages quality family time for all ages, featured a tattoo artist, magician, petting zoo, touch-a-truck, bounce house, balloon art, face painting, a cookie walk, crafts, contests and a meal of baked beans and pork chops or a hotdog and chips.

From live music, fireworks and food vendors to skydiving parties and carnivals, here is a list of local places to bring in the holiday.

From May 29 through Aug. 7, kids and teens can receive grab-and-go lunches at 20 locations throughout Whiteside County. The Let’s Feed Our Children initiative was launched over two decades ago to fill the nutrition gap that occurs during summer vacation.

Odell Public Library played host to a large crowd Tuesday when, as a part of the Odell Public Library Friends program, local resident Connie Barr gave a special presentation about her apron collection.

The musical, adapted for high school performances, was based on the 2004 American teen comedy film.

With Easter just a week away, here are some egg hunts taking place throughout the Sauk Valley.

Evening event also included visits with Santa, shopping, and activities for kids

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Those hoping for snow on Saturday for Erie’s Hometown Holidays Lighted Parade were not disappointed – thanks to one local business. Hanford Insurance’s entry in the popular parade included a snow machine mounted in the back of a pickup truck that blew the fluffy white stuff up into the air and onto the float it was pulling which included an igloo with the inscription “Protecting the Magic”. The snow was the perfect touch for the evening with temperatures in the mid 40s. Before the parade, kids could write letters to Santa and enjoy other seasonal activities at the Erie Fire Station.

A free new online marketplace for Whiteisde County businesses to showcase and sell their products, “from artisanal crafts to locally sourced goods,” is being made available by the county. Restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues also will be featured.