The Ultimate Guide to Old Settlers Days in Rockton IL – Tips, Food, Music, and More

Hey everyone it’s Oscar here with Stateline Buzz and today I want to give you the ultimate guide to Old Settlers Days also known as OSD in Rockton Illinois If you’re planning to go or just curious about what it’s all about I’m going to break down everything you need to know to have the best experience possible.

Old Settlers Days is this amazing community festival with a ton of history behind it It’s been around since 1946 and has grown into a huge celebration that brings together families friends and people from all around the area Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first time I want to share some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your visit.

First up let’s talk about what you can expect when you get there The festival usually runs over several days and something is going on all day long You will find live music from local and regional bands great food vendors with all kinds of delicious treats arts and crafts booths where you can shop for unique handmade goods and plenty of fun activities especially for kids like rides and games.

One of the highlights for me every year is the parade. It shows off the spirit of the community and is a perfect way to kick off the celebration. If you are coming with kids or just love a good parade, make sure you find a good spot early so you can see everything.

Now if you’re wondering about food you are in for a treat Old Settlers Days has a huge variety of food vendors ranging from classic carnival fare like funnel cakes corn dogs and cotton candy to more hearty options like pulled pork sandwiches fried fish and grilled burgers Don’t forget to check out some local favorites too because this festival is a great chance to try something new and support local businesses.

If you want to beat the lines, my tip is to come early or during off-peak times like mid-afternoon on weekdays. The festival can get pretty busy, especially on weekends and in the evenings when the music events kick off. So, planning can help you enjoy the food without the wait.

Parking and getting around are other things you should know about. The fe. festival has several parking lots, but they do fill up fast, especially on big event days. The website recommends carpooling or even biking if you are nearby. That way, you can avoid the hassle of parking and maybe even catch some fresh air on the way.

When it comes to tickets Old Settlers Days offers a few different options depending on what events you want to see Some are free and open to the public like the parade and some of the kid’s activities but others like concerts and the demolition derby require a ticket The prices are very reasonable and you can buy them online ahead of time to skip the lines.

A couple more things from the FAQ that I think are helpful to know before you go You can bring your chairs and blankets to sit on but no outside food or drinks are allowed inside the event areas Other than that pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them so bring your furry friends if you want to include them in the fun.

If you’re wondering about accessibility, the festival is committed to making sure everyone can enjoy it. There are ADA parking spaces available and shuttle services for those who need them. Also, most of the event areas are wheelchair accessible, which is great.

One of the questions I get a lot is about weather OSD goes on rain or shine so be sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly If it looks like rain pack a poncho or waterproof jacket because umbrellas might not be allowed in some areas and you still want to be able to enjoy everything without getting soaked.

For families with kids, there are tons of kid-friendly activities, including a kids' zone with games and rides. If you want to make the most of it, bring some cash because not all vendors take cards, and there are lots of small purchases to be made, from food to souvenirs.

Also, keep in mind the festival is cash-friendly, so bringing some money is always a good idea, even though some vendors do accept cards. There are ATMs on site, but they can have long lines sometimes.

If you want to stay connected, the festival has a social media presence where they post updates and event changes, so following them before and during the festival is a smart move. You might also want to download the festival schedule from the website so you don’t miss any of your favorite events.

One last thing I love about Old Settlers Days is how it brings the community together It’s not just about the events but the people you meet the vibe you feel and the memories you make So when you go be sure to say hi to some of the vendors and locals because that’s part of what makes OSD so special.

So to recap get there early or during off times to avoid lines bring cash and comfy shoes dress for the weather and don’t forget your chair or blanket for relaxing between events Remember tickets are needed for some things so buy them ahead if you can And most importantly have fun and enjoy the great energy of Old Settlers Days.