Chamber News – November 2025
Financial Report: — Kylie – Rocktoberfest was successful ! Updates on financials along with discussion on upcoming projects the Chamber is working towards —- Partnering with WRKD for sound system/speakers in the downtown and park locations. Working with the Village on updated directory and new village signage. Recently gave scholarship donations to Parkway senior, to the Parkway Food Panty and most recently to the Together on Christmas. We have also allocated funds to sponsor free Trolley rides from 4 – 7 pm
After the Holiday Bazaar – during the light parade / and park Christmas lighting festival on
Sunday – November 23rd at Shanes Park. The Chamber is also sponsoring cash prizes for 3 categories for the Light parade that will be escorting Santa to the Santa House.
Committee approved renewing the CD we have with Peoples Bank for another year.
Photo taken for donation of $1,000 to Together on Christmas.
Old Business updates: Rocktoberfest — Ashley has a list to review before planning next Rocktoberfest – which will be on Halloween next year. Request to the Village that the Main Street be shut down. Would like to have some handicap parking available for guests.
Holiday Bazaar / Holly Day Christmas – November 23 beginning at noon –
Bazaar – noon – 4 pm – Rockford Community Building
Cookies / Cocoa / Crafts from 4:30pm – 7:30 pm – Rockford Community Building
Located at the Park —-
Trolly Rides – 4 pm to 7:30 pm —- Loading location – Front St in front of Shane Hall
Light Parade – 5:30 pm (Football field down Franklin St. to Front St to the park entrance) once Santa has arrived – Park will be lit up – Santa will be greeting children until 7:30 pm.
Christmas lights at the park will be on from dusk to 10 pm each night for families to enjoy throughout the Christmas season.
Trolley rides are free but will put out a donation box.
Donation boxes for items for the Parkway Food Pantry — Pastor Bill to ask Karla about what is needed at this time.
Invitation to the community to watch and / or participate in the Light parade — forms at the Village office. The Chamber will give out cash prizes (3 – $100) categories – Most Festive, Classic & Fun.
Planning to block off the log cabin / Shane Hall entrance for safety. People can park at the Community building or utilize the parking area at the baseball diamonds.
Will be having a decoration day at Shanes Park – Saturday November 8th from 11 am to 5 pm. Also asking community for donations for working Christmas lights. May need to purchase additional.
Thrivent Community Action project — paying for promotions – street signs and banners. Should be here by Monday.
Committee approved David Trisel as Facebook administrator to post the official event information so that we can all like and share.
2026 Rockford Chamber membership renewals have been emailed. Deadline December 15th.
We have an Anthem / Chamber membership ad scheduled.
Will be asking Jordan Martin to attend the December 11th meeting for our yearly Anthem update.
Presented – S & B Coin Laundry – 50 years, and Peoples Bank – 120 years congratulations.
Had discussion on communications — keep text group for information only and not making decisions unless necessary.
Will meet again this month – Thursday, November 20th at 8:30 am — to finalized plans for Bazaar/Parade/ park lighting.
