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Rock Falls’ inaugural George Fest draws crowds in for Chicken George, music

July 28, 2025 at 11:04 am CDT

Joey Escamilla wins the Chicken George eating contest during George Fest in downtown Rock Falls on Saturday, July 26, 2025. — Joey Escamilla wins the Chicken George eating contest during George Fest on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Rock Falls. (Brian Hurley)

By Brian Hurley

The first-ever George Fest showcased the area’s famous Chicken George and hot local band Alborn for a celebration Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Rock Falls. An eating contest of the delicacy highlighted a day of fun, games and music at RB&W Park.

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Allie Kested dishes up Chicken George at the McCormick Event Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Rock Falls. The debut of George Fest featured kids activities, bags tourney, a Chicken George eating contest, and live bands. (Brian Hurley)

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