The North End Commons Business Association (NECBA) 3rd Annual Magnolia Festival was held on May 3rdth at N. Main & Auburn Street here in Rockford. The opening ceremony started noon and the event continued throughout the day until midnight.

This was a fantastic fun family event. Music Express provided the DJ music & karaoke along with fun games for young and old alike. John Burns, Phil Pilcher & Company played some jazz and comtemporary music. The Boulas Trio also entertained the crowd with come great R&B music mixed with a jazzy New Orleans sound. Later on Saturday evening came dancing in the streets to the music of the classic rock band Mr. Big Stuff. On Sunday Jodi Beach Trio entertained from 12:00 until 2:00. The Sensations featuring Holland Zander closed out the day.

Bruce Quast the Rockford Register Star Cartoonist was giving free caricatures from noon until 5:00. There was also be a Silent Auction with bids being taken from 1:00 until 6:00.

Even though the weather wasn't very good....THE FOOD WAS FANTASTIC! Food was offered by Altamore Ristorante, River District Catering, The North End Coffee Bar, and Southern Butterfly. Of course there were hundreds of gorgeous Jane Magnolia trees available for purchase. The NECBA wants to beautify Rockford and the surrounding communities in Winnebago County and are hoping to make us known as the Magnolia Capital of Illinois.

The Magnolia Festival Committee this year was:

Alberto ALtamore, Festival Chairman

John Gile, Communications Director

Renie Gile, Publications Coordinator

Jesse Dabson, Event Coordinator

Steve Langley, Signage & Promotional Coordinator

Jimmy Z, Music Coordinator

Julie Tilbury, Art Tent Manager

Sherry Pritz, Art Tent coordinator

Deb Sorensen, Volunteer Coordinator

Congratulations goes out to the Magnolia Festival Committee with special "KUDOS" to Alberto Altamore and his ENTIRE FAMILY for putting together the 3rdnd Annual Magnolia Festival!