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Roller coasters get all the attention. But what about the tamer rides with shorter lines and more relaxed height re­strictions? Here you can learn about the favorites among the lesser-known thingsto do in Rockford . Some are unique, some have been copied for decades, but all of them are vital to the atmosphere of the midway. Carousel The most elegant of all amusement park rides, the carousel dates back to around A.D. 500. Drawings from this time period show riders in baskets circling a post. The carousel, or merry-go-round, remains a carnival staple worldwide. The ride consists of a rotating platform with seats that move up and down. The seats are the really special part, made of wood, fiberglass, or plastic and shaped to look like decorated animals, such as deer, cats, fish, rabbits, giraffes, and, of course, horses. Old carousels and carousel pieces can be worth lots of money these days depending on the level of artistry that went into their manufacture. Scrambler There...

We all host a party at some point in our lives. Some of us are regular party hosts who celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, life events, and holidays, while others only host parties once in a blue moon. Either way, an unforgettable birthday venues in Rockford can help elevate your party to the next level and leave guests in awe of your planning skills. Here’s a helpful guide on the types of venues available out there for parties, as well as the answer to the age-old question, “how much does it cost to rent a venue for a party?” Why rent a venue for a party? Wedding receptions and birthday parties are the most common reasons to rent a venue. In addition, you’ve got event planners and companies looking for venues for their holiday parties or other large celebrations. Hosting a party outside of the office helps make the occasion an exciting event that leaves room for the imagination. Renting a venue for a party also means you can get help from the venue host in regard to logistics...