Rock Falls Tourism announces the winner of the Most Popular Holiday Light Display in Centennial Park last month. Rock Falls Fire Department was the clear favorite among online survey voters. The display featured a festively decorated antique fire truck, with a Firefighter spraying a hose toward a gingerbread house, creating the playful scene of “putting out a fire.”
Firemen displayed the event winner sign in this photo. The red sign identifies a vintgage engine that resides in Centennial Park.: “American LaFrance, 1909, Donated by Sterling and Rock Falls Jaycees.”
From right-to-left are Melinda Jones, Director of Rock Falls Tourism; Tom Henry, Executive Director of Coloma Township Park District.
On Sunday, January 15, 2026, Rock Falls, IL, Director of Tourism Melinda Jones submitted this follow-up to the Holiday Light Display at Centennial Park, that has brightened the Sauk Valley area for the past five years. Festivities ran Fridays through Sundays, from November 28 through December 27. Twenty-five local businesses, churches, schools, and organizations transformed the park into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Some events included horse-drawn wagon rides by Northern Star Farms. The Salvation Army served hot chocolate. There was a 5K Fun Run hosted by 7:24 Fitness on the Rock. A Food Drive collected non-perishables for the Sauk Valley Food Bank. Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children.
The Coloma Township Park District and Rock Falls Tourism extends heartfelt thanks to all the businesses, churches, schools, and organizations whose hard work makes this spectacular light display possible. Special thanks goes to Candlelight Inn, for sponsoring the Northern Star Farms horse-drawn wagon rides.