By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — It’s a three-day weekend for some workers as we commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.
There is a celebration in Rockford on Monday to commemorate the civil rights leader, and there are a multitude of other events to do this week, too.
Here are 10 ideas for things to do this weekend. You can always find more on our events page.
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Find your hero on ice
Disney On Ice presents “Find Your Hero,” which features tales of heroism from popular Disney stories, Thursday through Sunday at the BMO Center. Disney characters include Moana and the demigod Maui, Anna and Elsa, and Ariel, the Little Mermaid.
Quick facts:
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. Monday
Tickets and info: thebmocenter.com/disney-on-ice-2023
Or, do your own skating
Frosty Fridays discount public ice-skating sessions return this week at Carlson Ice Arena.
Quick facts:
Where: Carlson Ice Arena, 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13
Info: rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate
Listen to a live reading at Maze Books
Maze Books will host Future 2023, its first live reading of the year. Local authors Ryan Burritt, Jason Holcomb, Emily Klonicki, Dave Pedersen and JP Rindfleisch will participate.
Quick facts:
Where: Maze Books, 117 S. Third St., Rockford
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Admission: Free
Prehistoric painting at Burpee
Burpee Museum of Natural History will host “In the King’s Court,” which explores how artists interpret fossils to create a clearer picture of the life and times of the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Basic supplies are included with the registration fee, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies as well.
Quick facts:
Where: Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford
When: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Admission: $15 ($12 admission to the museum, plus a $3 class fee); $13 for children 4-12 ($10 admission, plus $3 class fee); $2 for members.
Have a hot cocoa before a cold hike
815 Outside will provide complimentary hot cocoa before Julie Uram, executive director of Nature at the Confluence, and others give a guided hike over about 2 miles of mostly flat, unpaved trails.
Quick facts:
Where: Nature at the Confluence, 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Admission: Free
Go to a candlelit concert
The music of Rossini and Bach will be performed under the flicker of soft candlelight in this mid-winter concert presented by seven featured musicians of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
Quick facts:
Where: First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford
When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Information and tickets: Here
Hit the ice under disco lights
The Belvidere Park District will host its second annual Disco Nite on Ice with music, lights, games and prizes.
Yes, there will be a disco ball.
Quick facts:
Where: Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park, 365 W. Locust St., Belvidere
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13
Admission: $5 adults; $3 ages 3-17; $5 for skate rental
Laugh with Luca
Comedian Luca Ferro headlines The Detour Comedy Night. The show is hosted by Tony Lisowski, and also features Alex Hudec and Tom Filline.
Quick facts:
Where: The Detour, 1920 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14
Admission: Free
Info: Here
Find your dress
The Stateline Splendor Bridal Expo features a fashion show with multiple bridal shops.
Quick facts:
Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel and Conference Center, 416 S. Main St., Rockford
When: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; fashion show at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15
Admission: $10
Tickets and info: statelinesplendor.net
Celebrate civil rights leader’s legacy
The Rockford Public Library and Mayor Tom McNamara will host a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration with music from Soar Assembly, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Word Worship Center and Super Friends. There will also be Hope Fellowship Dance Ministry, Fab Dance Co. and St. Paul Church of God in Christ.
Rockford youth poet laureate Giulyana Gamero will also read an original piece inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.
Quick facts:
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Rockford Public Library’s Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.