Free back-to-school festival Saturday, Aug. 8, at Brown Park

From press release

A free back-to-school festival is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at Brown Park in Rockford. The event will feature a police K-9 demonstration, fingerprinting by the sheriff’s department, an appearance by Batman, games, balloons, face painting by Reco, free school supplies, giveaways and music.

Brown Park is on the corner of North Main and Custer, across from Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Ave.

Schedule of participants includes Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen at 11:15 a.m.; Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato at 11:25 a.m.; Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey at 11:35 a.m.; and Rockford Chief of Police Chet Epperson at 11:45 a.m.

All-day events include music by Scratch & Dent and DJ BiggZ; Rockford Fire Department Safety House; 911 Call Center simulator; storybook reading time; RAD for Kids demonstrations; VPC anti-bullying; WCCPSC games and coloring; Metro Enforcement K-9 demonstrations; SwedishAmerican Hospital Safe Kids; fingerprinting by the sheriff’s department; and anti-graffiti/anti-vandalism presentation by the Rockford Police Department.

For more information, call Joan Wardzala at (815) 962-8992 or e-mail neswatch@yahoo.com.