It’s the 75th Anniversary of the Rockford Peaches and Rockford is celebrating in a BIG way!
The Rockford Peaches weren’t just the highlight of the movie ‘A League of Their Own,’ they were the highlight of women’s baseball, in our own hometown.
You’ve probably noticed plenty of beautiful flowers, banners and more celebrating the Rockford Peaches. That’s not the only way our city is celebrating. Here are even more events happening in The Forest City, from GoRockford.com.
Friday, June 1:
Rockford Peaches Day at Rockford City Market! 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Stars from A League of Their Own and original AAGPL players will greet the crowd from the stage. Look for the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) in the Kids’ Activity Area with hands-on “Baseball in the STEAM Zone” activities presented by Discovery Center interns.
The PeachDIVA/PeachDIVADude Booth will feature Rockford Peaches items for sale to benefit IWBC — from t-shirts and baseball caps to Rockford Peaches pennants, wristbands and bobblehead dolls.
Rockford Peaches Day on State! 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Participating shops, restaurants and bars along East State Street next to City Market will feature specialty drinks and dishes and themed items for sale to celebrate Rockford Peaches Day in Rockford, IL. Cards at each participating business can be punched at each stop to enter to win a $750 basket.
Stars from A League of Their Own will appear along the street through the evening. Banners and planters will spotlight East State Street, renamed “Peach Orchard Lane” for the day. The International Women’s Baseball Center partners with River District Association.
“A League of Their Own” at Friday Night Flix at Dusk, Davis Park
Stars from A League of Their Own will greet moviegoers at Davis Park and sign autographs at their booth before the showing of this iconic American baseball movie. Rockford Dance Company Rockettes in Rockford Peaches uniforms will entertain the crowds, dancing to 40s and 50s DJ music. Free Rockford Peach pennants will be given out to every child in attendance to cheer on their hometown team!
Saturday, June 2:
“Baseball in the STEAM Zone” Family Day – 9 a.m. – Noon, Beyer Stadium
The International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) invites the whole family to a morning of hands-on stations on the field that will connect baseball and sports to STEAM subjects — Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math — plus History and Nature and Sports, in a fun learning environment.
Baseball skills will be featured on the Beyer Stadium ball diamond. Fire and Police Display Vans will be on site for families to visit. IWBC partners with AAUW Rockford Area Branch, Rockford University, Rock Valley College, Discovery Center, Midway Village Museum, Rockford Art Museum, Severson Dells Nature Center and the Rockford Park District.
Opening Ceremony and Exhibition Game – 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Beyer Stadium
The International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) will hold an official Opening Ceremony for the Rockford Peaches 75th Anniversary Bicentennial Celebration with the East High School band, and Mayor Tom McNamara throwing out the first pitch. Stars from A League of Their Own will team up with 75th Anniversary Celebration sponsors and community leaders on a Celebrity Team against the Rockford Starfires Women’s Baseball Team.
Sunday, June 3:
Home Run Derby and Closing Ceremony – 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Beyer Stadium
Children (T-ball) to adult (50+) paid entries will vie for “star” in various age categories. The day concludes with the first-ever competition pitting Firefighters vs. Policemen in a friendly revelry at the plate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation. Trophies and medallions will be awarded at the Closing Ceremony of the Rockford Peaches 75th Anniversary Celebration.