OREGON – The walkers were all smiles on Thursday as the second annual Oregon Chocolate Walk was blessed with a rare day of beautiful weather and 39 local merchants ready to give them sweet treats and show them their stores.
The Festivals, Events, Dining, and Shopping Committee of Oregon Together was delighted to bring this fun event back and a good time was had by all.
Well over 200 people, mostly families, from all over the area filled the streets with colorful maps in hand on their journey of discovery through Oregon, Conover Square, and the outer edges of town. Each business donated something for one of five gift baskets and the merchants went all out. Each basket is filled with gift certificates and valuable items that will be sure to make the winners very happy. The winners have been selected.
Many walkers remarked about the significant changes in Oregon just since last year. There are lots of new businesses and the town is looking good thanks in part to the efforts of the Oregon Together’s Arts and Beautification Committee. Many said that it was great to see Downtown and Conover bustling.
The stores also enjoyed the event and have a few ideas on how to improve it next year. Many reported guests from not only Oregon, but the surrounding area including Rochelle, Byron, and Rockford. With the walkers trying to fill their maps, they did not have time to do much shopping, but the merchants hope they remember them and come back to spend a little more time.
Tony Kurzac at Illinois Tire and Auto repair said he only had two pieces of chocolate left and Diana Weber at Simply Home said she ran out before the walk was over. She also said that some people came back and bought some items, so she was very happy to have participated. Simply Home is a new business, and this is their first time in the Walk.
Another newcomer was Redstone Salon and Spa. They were delighted with the number of new faces they saw and want to participate again next year. Terry Zarbock at Earth Reclaimers in Conover Square also had some customers that went home with something they liked. The homemade fudge at the Chamber of Commerce was delicious, and more than 200 cups went out the door.
Ten walkers made it to all the participating businesses and will receive special Certificates of Appreciation
The “ABC’s” and the “FEDS” are part of Oregon Together, a grass roots organization that was formed to make Oregon a more enjoyable place to live, work, and play. The organization also has committees working on riverfront development and increasing indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities in the area, and now, making the restoration of Blackhawk Statue a reality again.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/OregonTogether to learn more about our activities and how to get involved. Thanks for a great turnout and great business participation in the Walk.
Pictured winners are:
Katie VanStedum of Oregon, IL
Cara Stewart of Oregon, IL
