Again, no Huntington Place Singers!!!

I just wanted to say that I had a great time at Rock Around the Block and so did my family. There was lots of great food. The kids won all kinds of fun prizes in the kid’s area. We heard several types of music from very talented bands. Overall it was a great day and my family and I would like to say thank you to all of the people that volunteered their time to put this together. It is an amazing thing when that many people from all over the community can come together and put that much time, effort and teamwork into organizing such a large event.
Yes, there were a few small hiccups. There always are in life. To everyone with negative comments I would just like to say; what are you doing to help? Are you willing to step up and help do something for the community? If you have ideas to improve the event, let’s hear them. If you are willing to volunteer next year to help pick up the trash or organize events, say so. If all you can do is anonymously post negative comments then you are part of the problem not the solution. Thanks again to everybody that is willing to step up and do something for this community!

No event is perfect. Alcohol has always been a part of Rock Around the Block. The band stages are sponsored by the downtown bars. Its hardly unexpected. I know a great deal of time, effort, and hard work went into putting on this event by all involved. I would like to thank them for bringing this kind of event to Janesville (especially downtown!). I am especially impressed with the vast number of local businesses and organizations that participated via sponsorships, booths, activities, etc. The organizers have somehow managed to plan, organize, and execute an event that continues to grow and be more successful each year. Given the history of successful events in this town, I applaud them. I'm already looking forward to next year!

I saw RECAP folks working at the end of the event, shortly before 9 p.m.

theone- Last year they had the help of the RECAP inmates with picking up garbage and taking out trash. Needless to say, they didn't have their help this year.

Come on Janesville. Streets are for traffic. Who decides to put a YMCA across Franklin St.,Appartments and Part of Mercy across River St., Marts and partys on Main St. Pretty soon we won't be able to travel N&S in Janesville by auto.

moving3ways - since you deprive your kids of real life, they are more likely to experiment when they get to their teenage years. By experiment I mean...drugs, booze, and pregnant. Ive seen it a million times. Kids exposed are less likely to endulge in it. Kids sheltered are going to go nuts the first chance they get.

Kids can be around alcohol. Why not show them a real social environment? Lots of adults, security. What is wrong? Why are we the only country scared of our own shadows? People are so affraid of everything. Family event means "family" ...the whole "family" adults too. So if they have toys and bouncy things they better have booze.

If people did read the Gazette they would have realized that it was a day of many different activities, not just for kids! We took my grandkids and they went home before it got too late. We all had a good time. Watched "Bob Rocks" in Legends, awesome!, they are a Madison based band but the female lead singer was originally from Janesville! We all had a wonderful time and if you plan your day and know what you're doing fun could be had by all! Thank you to the people who worked so hard to make this happen, looking forward to next year!

All I see here is people complaining. Well, Those that worked hard to organize, Set up, Run, And tear down this great event deserve a lot of praise! There were plenty of kids activities, Teen activities, Adult activities, Vendors, Bands, Food and drinks. This is a great event. Yes, Theres always trash and a few rowdy people there but in these depressed economic times, A nice community block party is a bright spot and a break from the depressing mood of the times. My compliments to those who do this event.

Read your gazette before you tell me to leave my kids at home. It stated that there was an increase in kid activities like Rockband etc. I brought them there and sent them home quickly.

Rock around the block is great for the city. If trash is left it creates jobs, if money is spent is supports our locals. The people who do not see the positive in this event are uneducated idiots and have no concept on how a city is collects its taxes or how to run a business or a city. If you see trash dont bitch about it. Pick it up that the whole problem with people

Great job to everyone who took part putting this event together.

in_my_opinion How many locks do you have on your doors and windows at home. ?

What does the Madison music scene have to do with Janesville's Rock Around the Block? Are you trying to sound fancy again?

raoul_duke... you have checked out the music scene in Madison, right? Check out the Ithsmus someday. While alcohol is served, the focus at the music bars (note I did not say college bars) is on the music and not on getting trashed.

As a society we create a lot of trash. Thank you Janesville for hosting this, it is great for the City and it's citizens.

"Rock Around the Block" is a family-oriented afternoon of fun and entertainment intended to reacquaint Janesville with new and exciting things happening right here in downtown. We are creating a day of food, games, dancing, music and special events."

No mention of alcohol in the promo.

The Blue Olives posted on the Rock Around The Block facebook why they did not play there. I see their point.

Bands on stages, food, alcohol and close proximity to the downtown bars, hmmmmm, sounds like an adult event to me. I love kids but not every event has to be about them. We have so many other good family orientated events throughout the year in Janesville, there was one Saturday at Bond Park. Parents have to use their judgement and curb the complaining.

in_my_opinion - god forbid letting your kids see the real world. Dont let them know anything that exists out there so when they turn 18 they have to find out by experimenting themselves. Makes perfect sense to me.

I generally love outdoor events like this but I have avoided this particular event. I have never been to rock around the block nor do I plan on going. Judging from other similar events, this just seems like a big house party. No thanks. I'll keep my kids safe at home.

Theone - ever been to a concert? They are trashed as well.

I am wondering if anyone else writes in from the second half of the day.
This event had so much alcohol flowing...coupled with many many people who could no longer handle a day in the sun with 9 hours of sun and music.
My kids asked to leave early after dodging several areas where consumers lost their lunch. An elbow to my son's face seemed to be insult to injury. I remarked to myself that Rendevous...River had a fun family duckie float event and other music/vendors a few years ago. I apologized to my kids for thinking that bigger and better was on their side. Mixing a drinking fest and bouncy houses does not make this necessarily the family mix it could be.
I am sure that all the drink sales brought significant funds...but listening to many who were speaking about job loss etc in rough times...I was left disappointed.

Before I take a hammering..I am a big fan of local live music and have supported many local events. Just sayin...

What was sad was seeing all of the trash that the slobs just threw in the streets. When most of the crowd left about 9:00 it looked like the landfill.

And apparently no one could figure out how to empty the trash receptacles. Most of the ones I saw were overflowing.

I go to many events of this type and have never seen such a mess.

not to be negative, but it seemed that every outdoor stage was either setting up or tearing down at the same times...we were standing around waiting for someone to play music somewhere....but we mostly got "tuning"...*sigh*

Anyone notice that Chainsaw Curtis and the Creepers were not there either? I thought this was supposed to be about local bands?!?!?!?!?

It just wasn't the same, though, without a stage and band on Wall St.

Its sad they only do this once a year. It was busier than the 4-H fair. This event is awesome! The diversity of the bands made it fun for all. You couldnt ask for more.... just more often.

I hope everyone enjoyed my break-dancing. The headache is almost gone.