Rockford, Illinois is an award-winning community, often called the "Forest City" due to the abundance of gracious old-growth trees lining the streets.  With a population of almost 140,000 (Census 2005 Estimates data), Rockford is Illinois' third largest city. 

Located on the banks of the tremendous Rock River, Rockford's beginnings date back to 1834, when pioneer Germanis Kent founded it.  The westward flow of immigrants in the 1850's brought Irish, Swedes, Lithuanians, English, Italians and Poles, creating quite an ethnic melting pot, which continues today.  In modern times, African-American, Vietnamese, Hispanics and Laotians have joined the population.  Rockford enjoys its eclectic ethnic mix. 

Rockford's lively downtown River District reflects the city's ethnicity in its assortment of restaurants and nightclubs.  The annual Fiesta Hispana honors Rockford's Latin community and the Irish Marching Society entertains the city on St. Patrick's Day.  Music plays an important role in Rockford, which hosts Illinois' largest musical event.  Claiming national awards, On The Waterfront occurs each Labor Day weekend, with three days of music through out 30 blocks of the downtown district.  Groovewalk is Rockford's springtime music fest.  The internationally known rock group Cheap Trick originated here.

The Rock River has always figured as a vital part of Rockford living.  Early settlers used the power of the river to run factories and Rockford grew into a major industrial and manufacturing hub for the Midwest.  During the 1950's and '60's, many of Rockford's major industrial corporations floundered, as did many of the nation's manufacturers after World War II. 

The mid '80's saw record unemployment levels in Rockford, IL but civic leaders turned the economic slump around, attracting professional and business services to the region.  Combined with a strong tourist industry largely based on the Rock River, today Rockford, IL enjoys a robust economy.  Rock River fishing is a Mid-western legend.  Catfish weighing in at 45 to 50 pounds are common.  The waters teem with walleye, bass, blue gill and drum.  Rockford hosts the Head of the Rock Regatta each year, with more than 1,700 rowers competing.

The youngest citizens of Rockford receive top-notch learning in the primary levels.  In higher education, nine colleges and universities await students in the Rockford Metro Area, including the University of Illinois College of Medicine and Northern Illinois University.  Twenty percent of residents over 25 obtain a college degree. 

Sports are a long-standing Rockford tradition.  Avid fans support the Rockford Icehogs, Rockford Lightning, Rockford Riverhawks and the Rockford Ski Broncs.  Racing enthusiasts have the Blackhawk Farms Speedway and the NASCAR sanctioned Rockford Speedway.  Skaters enjoy the Carlson Arctic Ice Arena and the Riverview Ice House.  Golf Digest rates Rockford number one for mid-size cities, with six outstanding courses.