Residents enjoy day on the canal during heritage day

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ROCK FALLS - With the figurative dark cloud of the state's announced impending closure of the Hennepin Canal Parkway looming, locals still came out on a sunny Saturday to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the feeder canal. About 100 children participated in the fishing derby, 70 people participated in a 5K run, and a steady crowd of people walked or biked along the canal. The celebration was spread among Centennial Park, Nims Park and the Arduini Boat Launch. About 500 people had attended by 2 p.m. Although it wasn't as crowded as last year, organizers hope to celebrate the Hennepin Canal Heritage Days again next year, said Doug Wiersema, president of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce. This is despite the plans set by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to close the Hennepin Canal Parkway as well as Lowden, Castle Rock and eight other state parks, as part of state-wide budget cuts. "We've had an overwhelming response with letters to keep the canal open," Wiersema said. "It's just been a well spring of people coming to us." The crowd still found a way to have fun. There was four-act play with monologues about the history of the canal performed by the Rock Falls High School Drama Club. The high school marching band played a few tunes and there were some Civil War reenactors at the celebration. The Department of Natural Resources offered rides in a 25-foot Montreal canoe. Guides would take people up and down the canal just past the Dixon Avenue Bridge. Jerry Peterson of Mt. Prospect gave the riders a quick tutorial on how to best handle the paddles while James Marks, of Rock Falls, led the groups and told his passengers which direction to row. Groups of about 20 people tried to row in unison, but sore arms and tennis elbows kicked in as they floated along on the scenic canal. Ginny McPerryman, 32 of Rock Falls, thought her 25-minute trip on the canal was a work out. Even though her 10-year-old son Arran nearly hit her with an oar, McPerryman enjoyed the beautiful and peaceful ride. "It's very pretty," McPerryman said. "I hate to see it close. I'm hoping it won't."