Residents enjoy day on the canal during heritage day

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