Take 10 minutes to fill out our Ignite Survey!  This is your chance to let us know what you think!  Have ideas for new programs or events?  Let us know!  Love the After 5's but not impressed by other events?  Sock it to us!  Your opinion will help shape 2010 events and programs.  Ignite is your group so we are going straight to the source.... YOU!

Find our 10 questions survey HERE! As a thank you for participating, we are holding a drawing for 2 tickets to the Anniversary Bash on May 20th! Hope you win!

The Ignite Leadership Team is growing and we want you to be a part of it!  Due to our growing membership, the Leadership Team has decided to expand positions available on the Leadership Team.  The Leadership Team is comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Team Chairs and Ex Officio members.  The following positions are open:

Looking for a new way to spend time outside in downtown Rockford? Soon, you may have a whole new set of options! Next week, Rockford's Codes and Regulations Committee will vote on an open container ordinance which would create a festival district in two separate downtown zones - one surrounding the parking garage on Water Street where the new City Market will begin in June and the another on Main Street in front of Kryptonite on the newly renovated street.

Kryptonite owner Chris Wachowiak is a main supporter of the open container ordinance leading the push for change. He envisions the Main Street space to be used for a series of summer concerts termed "Green Light Nights" complete with decorations, live music and a rockin' Rockford feel. The passing of this ordinance would bring people (especially YPs!!) downtown to enjoy live entertainment, block parties or other forms of festivals which will bring a new life to downtown. Chris has pointed out on his website, www.chriswachowiak.com, that the renovation from a pedestrian mall to a street came with some great features - "barricades in the road, power for running electricity for festivals and beautiful landscaping, lighting and attention to detail." 

The bottom line is that if this ordinance passes, there will be an outdoor festival every Friday at City Market as well as up to street parties per month on Main Street.

Supporters of making downtown festival friendly are encouraged to contact their alderman and let their voice be heard. Chris has asked that any emails sent to your alderman are also sent to the downtown alderman, Doug Mark (douglas.mark@rockfordil.gov). Supporters are also welcome at City Council meetings to show their support. Petitions of support are also available. To follow the action, visit Chris' website or fan "Making Downtown Rockford Festival Friendly" hereon Facebook.

 Become a Member of Ignite.... Again!

 

At Ignite, we know that Rockford Rocks but we want to share what we know!  Submit events, happenings, cool things to do, things you love about Rockford and we'll share with our members.  Let us know what you think makes Rockford Rock!

Money Smart Week - April 17-24, 2010
Still a few great free programs all across Rockford scheduled through Saturday! From programs on First Time Home Buying to Planning for Retirement, there's something for every one! Check out the schedule here!


Clean Up! - April 24th
Goodwill is leading a clean up initiative April 24th starting at the East State Street and Machesney Park Goodwill Stores. Volunteers will help clean up the area by beautifying the areas around the Goodwill stores. Volunteers who are interested can meet at either the Goodwill on E. State or Machesney Park and all supplies and lunch will be provided. To sign up, contact Volunteer Coordinator Bryan Roush by email at Broush@goodwillni.org or through phone: 888-283-6085.


Club RSO - April 24 - 7:30p.m.- For just $15, this exclusive Club RSO offer includes a discounted concert ticket and a special drink offer at the Olympic Tavern after the concert.  At the concert, enjoy a stunning visual tribute to Rockford through the eyes of local professional photographers while the Rockford Sympony Orchestra performs the piece Pictures at an Exhibition! Then, stop in at the Olympic for some post-concert enjoyment. Show your ticket to receive an exclusive drink discount offer! Come check out the "Picture at an Exhibition" Classics Concert at the Coronado Performing Arts Center! Tickets available HERE!


The Producers - Byron Civic Theatre - April 23, 24, 30 & May 1 at 8:00p.m., April 25 & May 2 at 2:00p.m. - Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony® Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. Head to Byron to enjoy this hilarious musical! For tickets, visit their website!


19th Annual RAMI Awards - April 29 - Tebala Shrine Temple- Come celebrate the Rockford Area Music Industry at the RAMI Awards!