Full Notification

ROCKFORD – On Saturday November 26, 2015, beginning at 6:00 a.m. State St. between Church St. and Madison St. will be closed to motorists as well as Municipal Lot 4 at State & Jefferson, and Municipal lot 28 at 2nd St. and Market, for preparation for the Merry and Bright Stroll on State Downtown Celebration.  Beginning at 12:00 p.m. no vehicle access will be allowed on E. State from 3rd St. to Church St. as well as side streets intersecting State between Jefferson St. and Walnut/Chestnut Streets.  The closures will remain in effect until 12:00 a.m. (midnight). 

In addition this year, the south curb lane of the Jefferson St. Bridge, the north curb lane of the Chestnut Street Bridge, along with Municipal Lot 1 and Lot 3 which are located in the Wyman & Mulberry blocks will be closed to the public by noon.  Vehicular traffic will still be allowed on the remaining lanes of both bridges. 

Proper traffic control devices will be in place and motorists are urged to use caution while driving in the area due to increased pedestrian traffic. 

Access to all local businesses will still be available with parking available one block north or south of E. State St. and near Main St. District shops.

Motorists are urged to use Jefferson St. from the East and Chestnut St. from the West to access the many events in the downtown area including Handel’s Messiah Concert at Trinity Lutheran, which has a new starting time this year of 3:00 p.m.

Event parking in all the Main Street North and Church Street South parking deck structures will be available at a flat rate of $5.00 per vehicle.  There are many surface lots and on street parking available at no cost.

The Rockford Mass Transit District has partnered with the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to offer free park and ride shuttle service to the downtown event area from 3 locations beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.  The YMCA parking lot at Madison St. & Y Blvd., and the Heartland Community Church Parking lot at Alpine & Newberg Rd. and Illinois Bank and Trust at 4820 E. State St. (across from Don Carter Lanes).  Those attending any of the events downtown are encouraged to use this service to avoid congestion and enjoy their event experience.  Volunteers will be at all locations to guide patrons. 

If you have specific questions regarding the event, contact organizer Tana Vettore at 815-623-3772.  For specific road closure information contact Kelly Nokes, Assistant Operations Manager, City of Rockford Public Works at 779-348-7660.