‘The Rams are a permanent part of the community’
photo by Kate Sickrey
“We are thrilled by the response from our community, this is exactly what we hoped would happen,” said Jamie Hosford, director of Human Resources at Rockford Public Schools.
Hosford has spent much of his summer preparing Year of the Ram, an art event for Rockford that will leave a lasting legacy and add interest to our community.
Nearly life-sized Rams made from PVC plastic were sold to businesses, groups and individuals, decorated, and “released” Thursday, September 30 at the Rockford dam. Originally the plan was for the Rams to stay through the weekend, but the excitement and interest they have created convinced city and school leaders to leave them through the third weekend of Harvest Festival, October 9 and 10, Children’s Weekend.
The Rams have a schedule ahead, including a visit to the homecoming game, participation in Santa Parade and visits throughout the community. The several dozen colorful beasts are all unique, many decorated by students at Rockford and representing creativity and hundreds of hours of work. Hosford said he believes the durable statues will be a permanent part of the community and another way we show our Ram Pride.
photos by Kate Sickrey
He hinted the public’s help will be needed in the future for a contest requiring people to vote on their favorite Ram. “This shows our Ram Pride—Go Rams!”
photo Kate Sickrey
photo by Kate Sickrey
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