Rockford River Days
August 7th-9th, 2026

Rockford River Days is a weekend of food, fun, family, and friends down at Riverside Park! Please click through the different pages on this website to look at events that will be happening all weekend, find forms for registering for events, and locate contact information if you have further questions. We can't wait to see you down at the park August 7th-9th!

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Looking to volunteer with a group or organization? River Days needs parent and student volunteers to help with ticket sales and inflatables. Earn $$ or volunteer hours for your organization/team! Must be 13+ to volunteer, money will be sent to organization in student's name (paid per 2 hour shift).

2026 Grand Marshal

Bonnie McLearen

Bonnie has been a dedicated member of the Rockford community for decades, giving her time and talents to its schools, church, and community organizations. She began volunteering with Rockford River Days in the mid-1990s, starting at the Stork House serving visiting royalty. Over the years, she has taken on many roles, including helping with the parade lineup, the Duck Drop, kids' games, and preparing dinner for the River Days committee each year.

Bonnie spent 27 years as a paraprofessional with Rockford Elementary School (and one year at the Middle School!) before retiring in 2015. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as both of her children graduated from Rockford schools. Her granddaughter also attended and graduated from Rockford schools.

A charter member of Our Father's Lutheran Church since 1972, Bonnie has faithfully served through Sunday school, numerous church committees, Nourishing Hope, blood drives, and many other community outreach events with the church.

What Bonnie values most about Rockford is its small-town atmosphere, where neighbors know one another, lifelong relationships are built, and the community continually supports one another. One of her favorite parts of River Days is seeing everyone come together to celebrate. Her personal favorite events are the fireworks and of course the Duck Drop, as well as seeing her own family and friends come together to celebrate the Rockford Community. We appreciate you, Bonnie!