Marengo churches join to create Faith and Family Day
On Saturday, July 26, the Marengo Clergy Alliance, with the help of community businesses and organizations, will be celebrating the first Marengo Faith and Family Day.
It will be a community "block party" that will be centered on the corner of East Washington and South Taylor streets. The event, which will be held rain or shine, will run from noon to 8 p.m. There will be activities, food, crafts, games and entertainment for all ages.
At the center of the event will be a music stage, which will feature various Christian bands, the Crystal Lake Jazz Band and the Christian rock band Citizen Way.
Citizen Way, a band made up of two sets of siblings, recently emerged from Judson University in Elgin. Their debut album, "Love is the Evidence," has gained a national reputation. Citizen Way is scheduled to begin their concert at 6 p.m.
The Crystal Lake Jazz Band, which is sponsored by Dignity Memorial Funeral Home, is scheduled to play at 1:30 p.m., with bands like Marengo United Methodist's Grateful Praise, Zion Lutheran's R.O.C.K. band and Rockford First Church of the Nazarene adding to the music festival.
Games also will play an important part in the festivities with a Bounce Park, featuring a large, inflatable obstacle course and smaller houses for small children. There will be a Bocce Ball Field, Bags Tournament sponsored by Marengo Main Street, and a Three on Three Basketball Tournament, organized by the Marengo Park District.
For even more fun, there will be a craft fair on East Washington Street and a Variety Stage at the corner of East Washington and South Taylor streets. Bring the children to see Sgt. Rodney Riley and K-9 officer Shadow for their show, or Rich Rubietta and his music of inspiration and activity for children and adults.
If food is your thing, there will be a number of options from Stonebakers Pizza, Kay & Jo's, Flatlander Market, a Root Beer and Cream Soda Garden, and a Corn Boil sponsored by Cody's Farm. Tables and chairs will be available.
It is a long time between Marengo's Spring Fling and Settlers Day. The churches of the Marengo Clergy Alliance (First Assembly of God, First Baptist, Marengo United Methodist Church, The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, Victory Rock Fellowship Church and Zion Lutheran Church) seek to establish a new annual event on the last Saturday of July, Marengo Faith and Family Day.
For details about the event and to sign up for the bags or basketball tournaments, visit FaithAndFamilyDay.com.
Are you a crafter? Sign up for the event at FaithAndFamilyDay.com. Booths are 10-by-10 feet for $30. All items must be handmade or homegrown. To make arrangements for a booth, contact Lisa at (847) 997-7026 or lisasmith818@gmail.com.