The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce is excited for a summer of fun in Genoa!
We are beginning the summer with the Genoa Days King and Queen Scholarship Competition on June 9. The finalists are Bennett Franson, Evan Haag, Rhett Kline, John Lechelt, Owen Simmons, Brooklyn Botterman, Hanna Chriss, Hayley Foss, Brianna Keegan and Lily McPherson. Be sure to watch on the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for the livestream event beginning at 8 p.m.
On June 25, head out to Chamberlain Park and enjoy a Concert in the Park. The band, Soda, will perform. What’s your flavor, because you will get the best of everything with Soda – classic rock, ′80s, new wave, reggae, alternative and more. This band can do it all. Three lead singers, each with distinctive styles and voices, work to bring authenticity to all of your favorite songs. The concert will run from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, contact the Genoa Township Park District.
Clean the Kish is a new initiative that the Kishwaukee Valley Wanderers will be hosting on June 26. Help keep the Kishwaukee River beautiful. We are looking for volunteers for this inaugural event. If you are interested in helping Clean the Kish, reach out to the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-784-2212.
End the day on June 26 with a family movie. The Genoa Township Park District will host a movie under the stars at Chamberlain Park. Enjoy watching “Croods New Age” with a new outdoor movie projector and giant screen. The movie will begin at dusk. For more information regarding Movies in the Park, contact the Genoa Park District.
On July 9, the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce will host the “Pirates on the Green” Golf Classic. Enjoy the day golfing with your friends on the beautiful Sycamore Golf Course. Your ticket includes a cart, raffle tickets, a box lunch, drink tickets, dinner raffles and a lot of fun! For more information on the Golf Classic, go to http://genoaareachamber.com/annual-golf-outing/.
The Kishwaukee Valley Wanderers is pleased to bring back Kayak and Canoe the Kish. This is a free event taking place by reservation only on July 10. Transportation will be available from Kingston Park to the drop zone. Your float will begin at Carroll Memorial Park in Genoa and you will paddle your way to Kingston Park where refreshments will be waiting. Paddlers are welcome to bring their own watercraft or canoes and kayaks are available by reservation only. To reserve yours, email info@genoaareachamber.com
The Genoa Township Park District will host a second movie of the summer on July 24. You have another opportunity to enjoy a movie under the stars at Chamberlain Park. The evening feature is the 2019 American musical fantasy film “Aladdin” starring Will Smith. The movie will begin at dusk. For more information regarding Movies in the Park, contact the Genoa Park District.
Chamberlain Park will be transformed into a campground for one special night. Your family is invited to spend the night outdoors for one evening, July 31. Enjoy an evening of swimming (pool open only to campers), campfire, s’mores, bocce ball, bags and other special events. Dinner and breakfast will be available. Family Camp Out is a joint event sponsored by the Genoa Park District and Genoa Boy Scout Troop 71. Reservations are required at https://www.genoaparkdistrict.com/online-registration/Family-Camp-Out-p326643003/
On Aug. 21, the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce will host the seventh Cruisin’ to Genoa Car Show in downtown Genoa. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Route 72 between Sycamore and Washington streets. Come out and enjoy the day by viewing beautiful cars, trucks and motorcycles. The free Roger Watson Memorial Tractor Show will be held during the event. If you have a new or vintage tractor you would like to showcase, bring it on down to Route 72 and North Monroe Street before 10 a.m. This is a free spectator event. If you would like to enter your car, truck or motorcycle, register at http://genoaareachamber.com/cruisin-to-genoa/.
To end the summer, the Kishwaukee Valley Wanderers in partnership with the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, is proud to bring back VolksFest Weekend Sept. 10-12. Watch for more details regarding Lucha Libra on Friday, Volksmarch and the Craft Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday and the Great Genoa Duck Race on Sunday.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you all summer long! For information on Genoa Park district events, visit https://www.genoaparkdistrict.com/special-events/. For Kishwaukee Valley Wanderer Events, email info@genoaareachamber.com. To learn more about the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at http://genoaareachamber.com/.
• Krissy Johnson is executive director of the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce.