GoRockford: Stroll on State brought 60k people to downtown for holiday festivities

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The annual Stroll on State holiday festival drew an estimated 60,000 people to downtown despite the day’s frigid temperatures, GoRockford said on Tuesday.

The one-day event took place Nov. 30, when temperatures were in the teens with wind chill factors that made it feel below zero. Still, people bundled up for key events such as the early afternoon parade and the evening tree-lighting ceremony and drone show. By comparison, there were an estimated 81,825 people during a warmer Stroll in 2023.

“For our GoRockford team, it’s deeply rewarding to see how an idea aimed at uniting the community has grown into something so widely recognized and that brings joy and positivity to those who get to experience it,” John Groh, president and CEO of GoRockford, said in a news release. “It’s through the power of connection and collaboration that we bring the magic of Stroll to downtown Rockford in such a big way. We are thankful that this event continues to drive downtown’s growth and offers a significant boost to local businesses during the holiday season.”

PHOTOS | Stroll on State parade and festival in downtown Rockford

Nearly 700,000 people have now visited Stroll during its 12-year run. The event didn’t have an in-person gathering in 2020 because of the pandemic. Peak attendance was 87,500 in 2018. GoRockford works with an event analytics firm that uses mobile device data to create its crowd estimate.

“Stroll on State thrives because of the incredible support from our community — partners, sponsors, volunteers, business owners and attendees — who each play a vital role in making it all happen,” Kristen Paul, GoRockford executive vice president, said in a news release. “For 12 years, Stroll on State has been a gift that gives back to our community during the holiday season, and we are pleased that 60,000 people joined us this year despite the record cold weather conditions. We are also especially proud that Stroll was able to directly give back to 10 local nonprofits through bar, S’more and hot chocolate revenues and the toy drive.”

The event was highlighted by a parade with 76 units and 12 large-scale balloons. There was also the first-ever Stroll on State drone show, fireworks, a tree-lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, live music on two stages and a multitude of vendors and opportunities to shop at downtown shops. There were also a record 1,450 Runner’s in the Dasher Dash 5K

GoRockford, a tourism agency that works to promote the Rockford region, puts on the event with support and donations from community partners and sponsors.

“Stroll on State has grown into one of the most cherished holiday traditions for our residents and visitors who travel to our community to celebrate and kick-off the holidays with one another. I speak for my own family when I say we can’t wait for this event each year,” Mayor Tom McNamara said in a news release.

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“This event is also a driving force behind much of the vitality of our downtown and supporting local business owners during the holidays,” McNamara said. “The continued success of Stroll on State reminds us that the future is bright for tourism in our community, there’s so much potential for continued economic growth and creating so many more unforgettable experiences in downtown Rockford.”

The event had nearly 80 sponsors, including presenting sponsor Illinois Bank & Trust, and was put on with the help nearly 3,900 volunteer hours.

Plumbers and Pipe fitters Local 23 sponsored the first drone show.

“It was perfectly customized with over 200 drones flying in precise formation to depict Rockford-themed icons and holiday imagery in the night sky. On behalf of the Plumbers and Pipefitter Local Union 23, we hope Stroll on State attendees enjoyed this new amazing sky performance just as much as we did,” Ryan Tracey, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 23 president, said in a news release. “We are grateful to the organizers of this incredible holiday event and look forward to supporting and seeing what’s in store for next year.”

GoRockford has dubbed Stroll as the Midwest’s Best Holiday Fest.

“It sure lives up to its designation and we are committed to investing in this inspiring event that brings people together, supports local businesses and transforms our downtown into a winter wonderland,” said Tom Budd, president of Illinois Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank. “Stroll on State is everything one could hope for in a holiday kick-off celebration and we’re honored to help make it a reality year after year, knowing its positive impact on our city and to residents and visitors.”

By the numbers | Stroll on State ’24

Here’s a look at some of the standout numbers from this year’s Stroll on State.

78 sponsors

3,892 volunteer hours logged

2,662 people voted in the Stroll on State T-shirt contest

76 parade units

6,838 cubic feet of helium used on 12 helium balloons

108 balloon handlers

1,450 Runner’s in the Dasher Dash 5K

613 ornaments on trees throughout downtown

125 string-lit trees

127 decorated light poles

204 drones

25,000 pounds of ice for Fire and Ice

653 letters written to Santa

https://www.rockrivercurrent.com/2024/11/30/photos-2024-stroll-on-state-parade-and-festival-in-downtown-rockford/