May 7, 2025. Vol. 32. No. 50. RockRiverTimes.com.
“Hoo” Haven and their rescue pelican at Rockton Village Hall during 2024 Pelican Fest. (Photo courtesy Jackie Rheaume)
In Its 5th Year Rockton Pelican Fest is back with favorite and new experiences! Rockton, IL – Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and the annual return of the American White Pelicans with other migrating birds to the Rock River region when you attend Rockton Pelican Fest, a free, family friendly festival on Saturday, May 17, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Natural Land Institute, Sinnissippi Audubon Society, the Village of Rockton and JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery present a day filled with activities and sights sure to delight everyone. Visit several educational, historic, nature themed, and environmental booths in downtown Rockton. Stroll along the historic streets to visit shops and restaurants, which will have pelican-themed specials, for an entertaining day. Attend presentations held at Talcott Free Library and Village Hall. Visit nearby Nygren Wetland Preserve to look for the American White Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes, other birds and wildlife. “We’re thrilled to bring Rockton Pelican Fest back to the community for the fifth year with favorites returning such as “Hoo” Haven and their live rescue pelican, the Traveling Science Center, the Whitman Post Elementary School art exhibit, the bird card collection at participating locations and several presentations at Rockton Village Hall and the Talcott Free Library,” said Jill Martin-Golden, one of the event organizers and business owner of JR Finally Art Studio & Gallery. “This year’s event is even more exciting with some new features including more booths – some with food options, face painting by Pickles and Company, a birdhouse decorating contest, a bird calling contest, and bird trivia game at our new stage. Also, celebrity entomologist Kevin Wiener from All Bugs Go to Kevin will be giving a program at Village Hall and leading a hike at Nygren Wetland that will be especially delightful for kids.” Nygren Wetland Preserve – Wildlife Overlook (3714 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton) 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (arrive at 7:15 a.m.) - Early Bird Hike – Led by birding expert, Joel Neylon, presented by Sinnissippi Audubon Society. 10 a.m. – 4:00 – p.m. – Visit anytime throughout the event. Volunteers will be there to help identify birds and other wildlife that will be seen. Drive to the Overlook on your own or Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) will provide a free shuttle from downtown Rockton to and from the Wildlife Overlook on an ongoing basis. Pick it up in downtown Rockton at the corner of W. Main and N. Prairie Streets. For more information about the Rockton Pelican Fest, a list of exhibits & activities, and a list of sponsors visit rocktonpelicanfest.weebly.com and on Facebook search for Rockton Pelican Fest.