16 <strong>Ottawa</strong> <strong>TODAY</strong>! TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN!
Nestled along the Illinois and Fox River, the area creates a peaceful and beautiful backdrop for residents and visitors. It has become a popular destination for anyone looking to relax and enjoy some me time without lo sing the comforts of life. The downtown offers many shops and unique restaurants. It is a place full of activities, business, lush plantings and many friendly faces. Architecture, large murals, art and performance shows bring culture to life. It’s a great place to live and invest! CURT BEDEI, NFPC Executive Director, <strong>Ottawa</strong> Visitors Center PICK US! Host to a number of festivals and markets throughout the year, the variety of events in <strong>Ottawa</strong> appeal to everyone, no matter your age. Every Saturday morning from June through October, visit the OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET. Findings here vary from homegrown vegetables and preserves to perennials and pies - PLUS handmade items including paintings, garden sculptures and so much more In early May, the MIDWEST MOREL FEST draws mushroom enthusiasts from over a three state area. Events offered during the festival include seminars and guided hunts from Morel University and a Championship Hunt with cash prizes. If hunting down the evasive ‘shroom is not your style, enjoy Illinois largest MOREL FARMERS MARKET and HOMEBREW COMPETITION all under one tent. June kicks off with the OTTAWA 2 RIVERS WINE FEST featuring wines from nearly twenty vintners across the state. This three-day event incorporates live jazz on-stage every night and throughout the event. PLUS FRESH LOBSTERS flown in fresh from the coast of Maine. They’re perfectly cooked to order, right on the spot for your enjoyment! July 4th is Show Time for one of Illinois biggest and best fireworks displays! Lots of activities happen all day long throughout the community for children of all ages. This grand display at dusk is made possible by generous community donations and funds raised by a dedicated team of volunteers known as <strong>Ottawa</strong> First. RIVERFEST - happens the first weekend in August, and is the last hurrah of the summer. It runs Wednesday - Sunday, kicking-off with the Chamber’s annual Welcomeburger Picnic. Lots of downtown activities and fun for children of all ages happen everyday thru Sunday. Historic Washington park is host to events like the BIG and ever popular book sale. Plenty of talent and variety entertainment happens throughout the fest along with Art in the Park sponsored by the <strong>Ottawa</strong> Art League, as well as the agricultural street fair and a vintage car show. Then, on Sunday, when things start winding down the RIVERFEST PARADE rolls through town with miles of floats, music, candy and clowns – contributed by organizations, local businesses, sports teams, schools and many other community leaders. In late September, celebrate Fall with us at OKTOBERFEST & SCARECROW FEST. Nothing says autumn like a good old-fashioned German style beer fest. It’s Oktoberfest! Meet your friends early and stay late celebrating at this traditional German style festival featuring great food, and lots of fun and games. Scarecrow Fest is a family-friendly event, and provides plenty of activities for all ages including a petting zoo, craft fair, face painting and giant bouncy houses. Shop the scarecrow lined streets of Old Town for some unique items and incredible deals. As the season comes to a close, <strong>Ottawa</strong> embraces the winter chill with its FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Friday night kicks off with the Thanksgiving Santa Parade - as you-know-who comes to town - followed by the lighting of beautiful and historic Washington Park. All while you shop for that special gift for someone in our downtown “Old Town”. In December, get into the holiday spirit with the Chris Kringle Market in downtown <strong>Ottawa</strong>, featuring artisan gift vendors, tasty holiday treats, traditional German-style beer, and memorable activities for the whole family to enjoy! Plan now for these events! JUNE - OCTOBER Old Town Farmers Market MAY Midwest Morel Fest Brewfest JUNE <strong>Ottawa</strong> 2 Rivers Wine Fest JULY 4TH <strong>Ottawa</strong> 1st Fireworks! August Riverfest SEPTEMBER Oktoberfest Scarecrow Fest THANKSGIVING WEEKEND Festival of Lights DECEMBER Chris Kringle Market For up-to-date information and exact dates, visit PickUs<strong>Ottawa</strong>il.com! <strong>Ottawa</strong> <strong>TODAY</strong>! 17
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