ROCK FALLS, Ill. — The fourth annual Flock to the Rock event takes flight on Saturday, Feb. 10 in Rock Falls, Illinois.
This free event is an educational celebration of the eagle and its historic significance to the area and to the native people.
Visitors should go to the Lower Dam on 300 West First St. in Rock Falls any time before 10 a.m. to view eagles soaring along the Rock River. Cameras and binoculars are encouraged.
Then at 10 a.m., event-goers can enjoy two educational speakers at the Rock Falls Community Center Building at 601 W. 10th St.
Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education will give an hour-long presentation featuring demonstrations of live birds of prey. Then Rudy Vallejo from the Kickapoo and Potawatomi nations will discuss the Bald Eagle's symbolization to Native American culture. Afterward, he will perform an Eagle Dance, which audience members may participate in.
New this year, ice carver Robert Storm will be on hand doing live sculpting on the lawn outside the community center.
Educational vendors will be at the event from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m., including the Illinois Conservation Police Wildlife Trailer.
Bagels by Toast & Plate will have refreshments, coffee and hot chocolate available for purchase.
Melinda Jones, Rock Fall's tourism director, joined The Current on News 8 to discuss what's new at this year's event and what will happen if we're still experiencing these spring-like temperatures during the ice carving demonstrations. You can watch her full interview in the above video.
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