Rockton Pelican Fest 2022

Celebrate Pelicans and the Community with Family and Friends

Free Admission

JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery, the Viillage of Rockton, Sinnissippi Audubon Society, and Natural Land Institute are pleased to partner together to present Rockton Pelican Fest for the community to experience and enjoy.

Rockton Pelican Fest is a celebration of the American White Pelicans migrating through the Rockton area and Nygren Wetland Preserve, the Rock River, wildlife and other natural assets surrounding Rockton, and promotes the local retail shops, eateries, and arts and culture of the historic Village of Rockton, Illinois.

Visit downtown Rockton shops and restaurants, outdoor vendor booths in the street/sidewalk area, participate in activities for kids and families, attend birding themed lectures and guided hikes.

Festival attendees will also be encouraged to visit nearby Nygren Wetland Preserve (3714 W. Rockton Rd.) to look for pelicans and other wildlife at the Wildlife Overlook. They can drive there on their own or use the free shuttle service provided by Stateline Mass Transit District from downtown Rockton. Guided hikes will be provided at Nygren Wetland at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. An Early Bird Walk will begin at 7:30 AM.

Activities

More to be added on an ongoing basis.

At Nygren Wetland Preserve Wildlife Overlook, 3714 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton

For the Early Birds!

7:30 a.m. Birders Hike at Nygren Wetland Preserve. Starts at the Wildlife Overlook: 3714 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL. Free. No registration. Arrive a few minutes early. Tour will leave from the Overlook by 7:40 a.m.

Take the free shuttle bus provided by Stateline Mass Transit District from downtown Rockton to the Nygren Wetland Wildlife Overlook between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. It will pick up and drop off at the corner of Main and Prairie Streets on an ongoing basis (about every 20 minutes).

Guided Hikes start from the Wildlife Overlook at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., led by bird enthusiast and NLI Trustee, Rob Clark.

In Downtown Rockton 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Talks at Village Hall:

11:00 a.m. – “Hoo” Haven with Rocky Road, the pelican
1:00 p.m. – Peregrine Falcon presentation by Sinnissippi Audubon President, Jennifer Kuroda

Presentation by Bryan Holliday, time and location tba

Booths by:

815 Outside – kids activity
Burpee Museum of Natural History
“Hoo Haven
JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery – make and take art, photo opps with Jerry the Pelican and a photo booth
Natural Land Institute – kids activity: Feed the “Pelican” – first 60 participants get a pelican sticker, plus prizes
Nature at the Confluence
Rockford Park District Atwood Center – see an owl and more
Rockton Remembers: Hononegah Statue
Sinnissippi Audubon Society – see a falcon and learn about all kinds of birds, Feed the “Pelican”
STEM for Kids

Specials and Features

Dairyhäus- Rocky Road Ice Cream
JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery – Whitman Post Elementary School Art Show “Fantastic Beasts”, 3 art demos, photo booth (see more details about what’s happening at JR Finally Art on their website)
Ray’s Family Restaurant – breakfast
After the Vine – Pelican Wine Flights, Pelican Viewing seating with a special
Pick-a-dilly Antiques – Specials on birdhouses and yard decor
About Face – Special Pelican Gloss Available
Talcott Free Library – Kids Crafts and displays
The Mix: Pelican donuts
The Gem Shop – 20% off all sterling silver & crystal corner
Rockton Inn Pub & Grub: BLT & Fries $10.99, Hot Dog & Fries $5.99, Day on the Beach Cocktails $5, Domestic Drafts $2.50
Sugar Britches – pelican suckers