By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — A few months ago, 101-year-old Antoinette Lamia became the one millionth guest at A Hard Rock Opening Act.
This coming summer, she’ll be the first official guest to walk through the new Hard Rock Casino Rockford when it opens its doors near Labor Day.
More news: Trio of teachers returns to the top of the Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition in Rockford
Lamia, who has celebrated her 100th and 101st birthdays at Hard Rock, will play a prominent role in Hard Rock’s opening guitar smash, which it does in place of a ribbon cutting.
“There will be some special guests, maybe a special celebrity escort to bring her into the casino,” said Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
Lamia was introduced during a press event Monday at A Hard Rock Opening Act, 610 N. Bell School Road, as the future first guest of the “big joint” casino, as Iafrate calls it. Hard Rock says construction of its future 180,000-square foot casino is on track to open Labor Day weekend.
Lamia has been dubbed “Queen Antoinette” in honor of her role in the opening ceremonies.
“I will take a crown but not a tiara,” she joked. “It’s fun to be a queen even for a day”
Lamia said about 20 years ago she and her daughter and granddaughter started going to casinos to jointly celebrate their nearby birthdays.
Travel became difficult in her older age, but seemingly just in time A Hard Rock Opening Act started operating here, said Cathy Sundberg, Lamia’s 81-year-old daughter.
“Hard Rock saved the day, and it’s just a treat for me to be with my mom,” she said.
More news: Rockford native goes viral for Albert Pujols jab on ‘Jeopardy!’
Lamia is the youngest of nine children, all who lived to be at least 90, she said. She’s also a mother of three and a grandmother and great-grandmother. She said she’s enjoying her moment in the spotlight to help the casino celebrate its opening.
“All this attention is unbelievable,” Lamia said. “I’m just an ordinary person. Why me? But I love it and I’m having a ball.”
She said she considers herself a player, not a gambler, because she doesn’t withdraw more money at the ATM if she’s had a losing day. She said she looks at playing the slot machines as a form of entertainment.
Lamia turns 102 on Oct. 6, and she said she plans to celebrate her birthday at Hard Rock once again.
“Hard Rock is one of the favorite casinos around the world, so we’re very lucky to get it,” she said.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas