FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2023                              

What: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and local partners are preparing for the eleventh annual Rockford Christmas Tree Harvest Day on Tuesday, November 14 beginning at 7 a.m. Media partners are invited to take photos and video footage of community partners felling the tree at 545 Sandra Lane, Rockford, IL 61107. Then the tree will be transported and installed at its new home located at Main and Elm Streets in downtown Rockford.

When:              Tuesday, November 14, 2023

7 a.m. – Tree Care Enterprises Inc., Howe Freightways, Inc., Creative Crane and Stenstrom crews will be on-site to harvest and transport the tree

7:50 a.m. – Police escort will lead the tree transport crew to downtown Rockford

9:00 a.m. – Trimming and installation of the tree in downtown Rockford

 All times are approximate and are subject to change. Follow GoRockford on Facebook and Instagram for posts of the installation process.

Why: One of Stroll on State’s most popular moments is the lighting of the city tree. The tree harvest and lighting of the city tree are established traditions for many and we want to continue making memories by sharing these traditions with the Rockford area community for years to come.

An important factor in the tree selection process is why it is being cut down. There is careful consideration when selecting trees that would need to be removed regardless of selection. This has been due to growing too large for the space it is in, poor health of the tree, impeding emergency access to the home or obstructing traffic views.                             

Who: RACVB, Tree Care Enterprises Inc., Howe Freightways, Inc., Creative Crane, Stenstrom and the City of Rockford Police Department are providing services and equipment to prepare the tree to be decorated for the holiday season. Rockford’s Christmas Tree is sponsored by Northwestern Illinois Building Trades Unions. The Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce helped to make the connection with the tree donors this year.

Volunteer opportunities and Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, details can be found at www.strollonstate.com.

About RACVB: RACVB is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, RACVB strengthens the economic position of the region and provides opportunities for people in our communities. www.gorockford.com

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Elizabeth Falls, RACVB marketing manager: 815.708.0089, efalls@gorockford.com