“Rockford’s On the Waterfront festival ends 29-year run” – 2012, Mike Dunn

Source:  The Rock River Times, December 19 – 25,  2012

Joe Marino “Mr. Fourth of July” – Spreading Holiday Joy for Nearly 50 Years – 2010/2011

Source: Northwest Quarterly Magazine, Winter 2010/2011  pp 134 – 137, by Paul Anthony Arco

 

 

Joe Marino, statue – 7/5/2010

 

Source: Rockford Register Star 7/5/2010

formerly known as Waterside Park was renamed Joe Marino Park, July 4, 2010

Organized Independence Day  Celebrations for 47 years

The statue was sculpted by David Seagraves and paid for by Friends of Joe Marino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Motorcycle Races Memorial Day” ad – 1911

Source:  Rockford Morning Star 5/28/1911

The Driving Park was located approximately in what is now property of Welsh School/Rockford School District.; West of Huffman Blvd, north of Custer beyond the railroad track to the north, east of Ridge Ave.  It was used first for horse races, later for auto and motorcycle races, even for practice by beginner auto drivers,  events and so on.

Rockford Labor News, page 9 – Friday, Oct 27, 1972

Source: Rockford Labor News, The; Friday, October 27, 1972, page 9