Military convoy to stop in Rochelle

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ROCHELLE – The Military Vehicle Preservation Association’s 90th Anniversary Convoy across the United States will make its only overnight stop in Illinois, in Rochelle, on June 20.

Up to 150 historic military vehicles, veterans and military enthusiasts will retrace the original 1919 U.S. Army’s Transcontinental Motor Convoy route along the famed Lincoln Highway.

The MVPA 2009 Transcontinental Motor Convoy will launch from Washington D.C., on Saturday, and are scheduled to be in Rochelle about mid-afternoon June 20, along the historic Lincoln Highway.

Following their caravan through the downtown, the vehicles will head to Rochelle Municipal Airport to park for the evening. The vehicles will be on display for the public.

From noon to 6 p.m., food booths from several local organizations and businesses will be serving a wide variety of food. 3D Sound will play songs from the World War II era, and from 3-5 p.m., the Lizzie Neal Band will take the stage.

Parking and admission are free.

In true World War II fashion, at 6 p.m. a hangar dance will feature a buffet dinner, a “Tribute to Bob Hope and the USO” show, and the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra. Hangar dance tickets are $30 each or $50 for two. Tickets are available at Rochelle City Hall, the Rochelle Municipal Airport, or by calling 562-6161.

A pancake breakfast will be held at the airport from 7 a.m. to noon June 21. A church service will be conducted by Carlos Pena, of the Hub Area Pastors Group.

The convoy will begin the journey to their next destination around 9 a.m.

Visit http://www.mvpa.org/ for the convoy map, and more information.