Building Relationships, Celebrating Your Story, and More! | Learning About Illinois Humanities

Discover Dixon's HUGE Summer Event Lineup 2026 | City Market, Petunia Fest, Drone Show & More!

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jennifer Lang and Amanda Wike from Discover Dixon to talk about everything happening this summer — including Dixon City Market, Fitness Fridays, Music at the Square, Summer Block Party, Venetian Night, Petunia Festival, America 250 celebrations, and more. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, bringing families downtown, and creating free community events that residents and visitors can enjoy all season long. The guests also discuss the return of the popular drone show at Venetian Night, youth entrepreneur opportunities through City Market Junior, and the new pedestrian bridge dedication taking place during Fourth of July festivities. UPCOMING EVENTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: • Dixon City Market Wednesdays beginning May 27 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Fitness Fridays Begins Friday, June 5, at 7:00 AM • Music at the Square Friday evenings throughout the summer, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM • Summer Block Party Saturday, June 6. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM • Petunia Festival Fourth of July Week 2026 • America 250 Celebration Events Including the pedestrian bridge dedication on July 4 • Red, White, and Blue Ball June 27th at 5:30 PM• Brush and Bloom July 3rd from 9:00 am to Noon• Venetian Night Featuring the return of the drone show August 8th at 5:00 PM • Scarecrow Festival October 17th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Learn more about Discover Dixon and upcoming events at discoverdixon.com 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:38 Dixon City Market Returns for Summer 2026 01:34 Market Times, Vendors & How to Participate 02:22 Family Activities & Nonprofit Involvement 02:43 Fitness Fridays on the Riverfront 03:48 Music at the Square Summer Concert Series 04:34 Culver's Lemon Ice & Summer Fun 05:12 Summer Block Party Preview 06:02 Celebrating Dixon's Community Spirit 06:38 How to Submit Questions to Along the Rock 07:02 Petunia Fest & Fourth of July Celebrations 07:20 Dixon's 250th Anniversary Events 07:46 New Pedestrian Bridge Dedication 08:07 Brush & Bloom Community Art Event 08:24 A Summer Packed with Weekly & Special Events 08:35 Venetian Night & Drone Show Preview 09:05 Favorite Discover Dixon Events 10:05 Supporting Local Entrepreneurs at City Market 10:53 Why Dixon's Riverfront Makes Events Special 11:02 How to Stay Connected with Discover Dixon 11:29 Final Thoughts & Summer Event Highlights Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #DiscoverDixon #DixonIL #PetuniaFest #VenetianNight #IllinoisEvents #SaukValley #SummerEvents #CityMarket #DroneShow #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #CommunityEvents #VisitDixon #SmallTownUSA #FestivalSeason

Inside Bellson Fest: Jazz, Blues, Latin & Rock Along the Riverfront

Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones and Josh Duffee to preview the 5th Annual Bellson Music Fest in Rock Falls. The conversation highlights this year’s expanded music lineup, the free drum clinic at the McCormick Event Center, and the continued celebration of legendary Rock Falls drummer Louis Bellson. Josh also discusses the history behind early jazz drumming, the vintage drum equipment that will be featured during the clinic, and the Bellson memorabilia giveaway happening during the event. Bellson Music Fest takes place Saturday, June 6, with live music throughout the day at RB&W Park featuring jazz, Latin, blues, rock, R&B, and more. Festival Schedule: 🥁 Drum Clinic – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the McCormick Event Center 🎶 Live Music Begins at 1 p.m. at RB&W Park Band Lineup: • Josh Duffee and the Blackhawk Broadcasters • Crooked Cactus • John Rush and the Dog and Out Band • Rare Element The event is free to attend thanks to local sponsors. For more information: VisitRockFalls.com 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:45 What’s New at Bellson Fest This Year? 1:15 Different Music Styles Featured at the Festival 1:50 Why Bellson Fest Is Completely Free 2:06 Drum Clinic Details at McCormick Event Center 2:25 Past Drum Clinic Guests & Festival History 2:59 Jazz Drumming History & Louis Bellson’s Influence 3:31 Live Drum Demonstrations & Vintage Drum Kits 4:03 Louis Bellson Techniques & Music Education 4:21 Bellson Memorabilia & Giveaway Details 5:31 Viewer Questions & Suggestions Info 5:50 Free Raffles & Festival Giveaways 6:11 Festival Band Lineup & Schedule 6:36 Rain Plans & Festival Backup Location 6:48 Louis Bellson Drum Set Display 7:20 Behind the Scenes Work & Community Sponsors 8:19 Expanding Bellson Fest Beyond Rock Falls 8:55 Dancing, Food & Riverfront Atmosphere 9:15 Weather Concerns & Alternate Venue Plans 9:42 Final Festival Details & Schedule Recap Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #Bellson Fest #Louie Bellson #Rock Falls Illinois #free music festival #live music Illinois #jazz festival #summer festivals Illinois #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #Louie Bellson drum clinic #McCormick Event Center #RB and blues music #Latin music festival #riverfront concert #Rock Falls events #live jazz drumming #music festival Midwest #family friendly festival #food vendors Illinois #Visit Rock Falls #outdoor summer concert

How Ronald Reagan’s Mother Shaped a President | Raising Reagan

Season 3, Episode 95 General Description, brief summary of the episode, notable moments, etc… 🗓️ Event Date: fill in event date 🕙 Time: fill in event time 📍 Location: fill in event location Call to action, why someone should attend this event, or watch this video. Draw a personal connection to whoever is reading this description or watching this video. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:31 – What is the “Raising Reagan” book project? 00:51 – Peggy Grande’s connection to Ronald Reagan 01:35 – Behind-the-scenes stories from Reagan’s post-presidency years 02:10 – Why focus on Nelle Reagan? 03:02 – Researching Reagan’s mother and Midwest roots 04:09 – How Dixon, Tampico & the Midwest shaped Reagan 05:15 – Surprising discoveries during research 05:41 – The truth about Nelle Reagan’s name 07:04 – How viewers can help with photos & historical information 08:23 – Searching for lost diaries and historical clues 09:02 – Expected release timeline for the book 10:00 – Nelle Reagan’s values and influence on Ronald Reagan 11:02 – The Reagan family’s lasting impact on the Sauk Valley Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #Ronald Reagan #Reagan family #Nellie Reagan #Raising Reagan #Peggy Grande #Katelyn Livorse #Ronald Reagan history #Dixon Illinois #Tampico Illinois #Reagan biography #presidential history #Midwest history #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #Ronald Reagan mother #Reagan legacy #Reagan book project #Nelle Reagan book #Reagan childhood #Reagan research #historical interview #Reagan family roots #Reagan stories

SVCC College for Kids Returns with Roblox, Pokémon & AI Classes This Summer

Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Brenda Helms from Sauk Valley Community College about the return of the College for Kids program. From Roblox and Pokémon-themed classes to video game design, AI learning opportunities, theater workshops, cooking classes, fashion design, and more, there’s something for students of all interests this summer. Learn how local kids ages 8–14 can stay engaged, make new friends, and explore creativity through hands-on educational experiences offered right here in the Sauk Valley area. For more information or to register for classes, visit:svcc.edu/cfk 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:22 What Is the College for Kids Program? 1:12 Technology-Based Classes Offered This Summer 1:36 Pokémon, Roblox & AI Classes Explained 2:10 Why Kids Enjoy the Program 2:59 Teamwork & Creativity Through Technology 3:15 Learning About AI at a Young Age 3:28 Viewer Questions & Suggestions Info 4:05 Scholarship Opportunities for Families 4:26 Registration Costs Explained 4:49 How to Apply for Scholarships 5:06 Future Classes & New Program Ideas 5:26 Summer Enrichment Week Details 5:52 Arts, Cooking & Fashion Design Classes 6:05 Class Start Dates & Registration Info 6:26 Registration Deadlines Explained 6:47 Where Families Can Find More Information Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #SVCC College for Kids #Sauk Valley Community College #summer camps Illinois #kids technology classes #Roblox class for kids #Pokémon class #AI classes for kids #video game design class #summer enrichment program #kids STEM classes #Dixon Illinois #Sauk Valley #summer programs for kids #technology camp #coding classes for kids #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #youth education programs #fashion design for kids #cooking classes for kids #educational summer activities

Mental Health & Child Development Resources in Dixon, Illinois

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Dr. Laura Gumbiner from the Florissa Center to discuss the importance of accessible developmental, behavioral, and mental health services for children and families throughout the Sauk Valley.Learn how the Florissa Center was created, the wide range of evaluations and support services they provide, and why collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations is essential to helping children flourish. Dr. Gumbiner also shares insights into selective mutism, neurodivergent support programs, community education initiatives, and the upcoming Florissa 5K event.For more information about the Florissa Center, visit:https://florissacenter.org 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:36 What Is the Floressa Center? 1:11 How the Autism Program of Illinois Led to Floresta 2:00 Why Many Families Haven’t Heard of Floressa 3:08 Why These Services Are Important in the Sauk Valley 4:07 Diagnostic Evaluations & Therapy Services Explained 5:48 Summer Social Group for Neurodivergent Teens & Tweens 6:36 Viewer Questions & Community Engagement 7:00 Understanding Selective Mutism 7:57 Success Story From School-Based Therapy 8:29 The Importance of Community Partnerships 9:42 How Families Can Contact Floresta 10:13 Upcoming 5K & Brain Health Event 10:47 Community Training & Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Education 11:35 Final Thoughts on Helping Kids Flourish Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #Floressa Center #Krieder Services #Sauk Valley #Dixon Illinois #autism resources Illinois #child psychology #mental health resources #neurodivergent support #selective mutism #family therapy #child development #autism evaluations #Sauk Valley Community #Along the Rock podcast #Radar Free Press #mental health awareness #children’s services #developmental disabilities #support for families #community resources #behavioral health #neurodivergent teens