Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) was the guest Reader on Thursday’s kickoff to the 2026 Garden Explorers series at Anderson Japanese Gardens, reading two books to families and joined by Grimace, courtesy of the Bucciferro Family McDonald’s. The event also featured Kantorei; Rockford’s Premier Co-Educational Youth Choir.
Garden Explorers is a ten-week interactive parent/child activity. Each week features a story time led by a community leader, followed by an activity, craft, or children’s music. Garden Explorers is appropriate for four to six-year-olds, but children of all ages are welcome. To learn more, please visit Garden Explorers – Anderson Japanese Gardens.