OREGON – The 48th anniversary of the Autumn on Parade festival is slated for Oct. 6-7 in Oregon, and the theme this year is "Music Then and Now."
The heart of Autumn on Parade is its Farmer's Market and Craft Fair, located on the historic Ogle County Courthouse Square in downtown Oregon where more than 175 craft booths surround the 125-year-old Ogle County Courthouse.
The booths offer handmade, homemade and homegrown items as well as many other kinds of goodies.
Not a crafter? Don't despair – there is something for everyone.
On Saturday, antique tractors and classic cars will be on display at Oregon Park East, just across the Rock River.
Owners of Olivers, Farmalls, and Deeres are more than willing to share the history of their tractors and visitors won’t want to miss The Focus House Car Show.
Visitors can also tour the Chana School on Saturday, also located at Park East. This unique two-room school, built in 1883, is celebrating its 134th birthday this year. Lunch will also be available on site.
Also on Saturday, kids and adults can take part in the Donut Eating Contest near the courthouse square.
Entertainers can also be spotted around the courthouse lawn.
On both days, the Fun Zone, located just north of the Courthouse Square, offers a place for kids to burn off some energy. Admission provides all-day use.
Hungry? You can stop by the Food Court, which includes a variety of choices from booths run by local not-for-profit organizations.
Want to take a trip back to the Renaissance? Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center, once the home of Chicago Daily News owner Walter Strong, will host its annual Olde English Faire both days.
Tours of the Stronghold Castle will also be available as well as food and entertainment.
Admission is charged for this event which is located about two miles north of Oregon, along Ill. Route 2.
Sunday morning starts with a 5K race and a one-mile fun run. And at 1 p.m. the Harvest Time Parade, featuring 100-plus units, makes its way through the downtown and past the courthouse square.
The Jesse White Tumblers and South Shore Drill Team are just two of the crowd favorites returning this year.
South Shore will also perform a post parade show at the conclusion of the parade on Jefferson Street, in front of the Oregon Library.
And as always – with the exception of the Olde English Faire, Fun Zone, and 5K – there is no admission charge for our events.
