Oregon, Illinois
A Great Place To Live, Work & Play
Nestled in the scenic Rock River Valley, surrounded by three state parks and a state forest, Oregon is a great place to put on your map as you travel throughout northern Illinois. Camp or hike in one of our parks, boat down the Rock River, or visit the Sculpture Trail inspired by Lorado Taft, the creator of the Blackhawk Statue.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Blackhawk Statue. The historic date is being commemorated with the 2nd Annual Oregon Trail Days Festival, from July 15th - 17th.
The festival is a celebration of Oregon's Native American and Western heritage. There will be a Cowboy stage and arena filled with all manner of Wild West Shows, cowboys and gun slingers, and a giant Native American Dance Ring with authentic performers in beautifully adorned regalia and drumming that can be heard throughout the area.
One of the highlights and the first thing festival attendees get to see as they enter the park is a spectacular gathering of Native American tipis. It is said to be the largest gathering of tipis east of the Mississippi River. Families are able to have an experience of a lifetime by camping overnight in one.
The festival will begin with a Native American blessing ceremony at the Black Hawk Statue on Saturday morning. Another popular event at the statue will be tours of the inside of the historic giant. Many a legend has been told about people climbing up inside and looking out through the statue's eyes. This is a rare opportunity for people to find out for themselves because other than this festival, the inside of the statue has never been open to the public. There is a small charge and all proceeds from the tours go toward the restoration project.
Additional activities during the two day event include horse drawn covered wagon rides, a raptor show and children's crafts. Vendors display their western and Native American jewelry, art, hides, and clothing. Food vendors also cater to the theme, and will be serving up an array of delicious foods including Indian fry bread, buffalo burgers and even buffalo chips.
On Saturday evening downtown Oregon is host to The Outdoor Eatery and Saloon. This bigger than life beer garden offers great music by three country bands including Southern Heritage and Penny Mae Dixon. The featured performance will be Terry Lee Goffee's tribute to Johnny Cash who performed at last year's event and was brought back by popular demand. Great food, cold beer, great fun!
Sunday activities include 'Run-a-Muck' a zany 8K run where participants run to a city park and then jump into an innertube and float back down the Rock River from where they commenced! There's also a pancake breakfast and canoe rally sponsored by the Oregon Lions Club.
Visit oregontraildays.org for more information.
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