Global Arts

The hunt for Wisconsin's 14 missing state senators continues - now a new Hideaway in Rockford Campaign video from the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau suggests the State Troopers sent to find them may have gone missing, too. Perhaps they have joined the missing state senators who are hiding out in Rockford. Following a successful launch of its first Hideaway in Rockford video featuring Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen talking about Rockford's hideaway hotspots, the RACVB continues the story with a cheeky new video.  In the follow-up video, the Wisconsin State Troopers are sent to Rockford to look for Wisconsin's 14 missing State Senators, a known hide-out for the senators. Before long, the troopers find themselves side-tracked. Click Image to Watch New Video Fictitious Madison-based TV 19 tracks down the troopers hiding away in Rockford, IL. The Troopers have been spotted splashing around at CoCo Key Water Park, sharing a profound moment at Rockford Art Museum, placing cheese-heads on the 66-million-year old dinosaur Jane at Burpee Museum of Natural History, and more. "You know, folks tell me it's easy to lose track of time when they are hiding out in Rockford. And, I know locals often will take a walk through a park or enjoy one of our museums on their lunch hour, but getting totally sidetracked when looking for state senators, that's a new one," said John Groh, president/CEO of the RACVB. "I'm glad Madison's TV 19 was able to track down the troopers, and caught it all on tape." In late February, the RACVB launched a Hideaway in Rockford campaign, a cheeky promotion showcasing the city as a travel destination for state legislators and leisure visitors alike. With more than 90,000 views since being uploaded to the RACVB's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/gorockfordregion, the original video is being called a runaway success.  Along with the videos, the campaign highlights the Rockford region's "hideaway hotspots" and special "runaway rates" and deals at local hotels, attractions and restaurants.  Additionally, the City of Rockford has volunteered to come to the aid of Wisconsin senators and Governor Scott Walker as the ideal location for a much-anticipated "Border Summit" negotiation session.  Rockford's location between Madison and Chicago make it the perfect 'middle ground,' something that has eluded Wisconsin lawmakers of late. Where do you hideout in Rockford and Illinois? Log on to www.hideawayinrockford.com to learn more about Rockford's great deals and to post about your favorite hotspot.

Current Hideaway in Rockford Deals: Lose track of time waiting for solutions at Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center: Weekends overnight stay with CoCo Key Water Park passes for four starting as low as $159. Subject to availability, some restrictions apply Don't get offsides at an Rockford IceHogs AHL Hockey game: $5 off any ticket to the game on Sunday, March 13 Tired of pre-historic legislation, explore Burpee Museum of Natural History: $1 off admission Skate on thin ice at Rockford Park District's Carlson Ice Arena and Riverview Ice House: 2 for 1 admission Get lost in the chaos at Rockford Park District's Sapora Playworld: 2 for 1 admission Yell "Fore the Sake of Humanity" at Golf Shack: one free bucket of balls at Northern Illinois' only heated outdoor driving range Hideout and dig in at Lino's Italian Restaurant: Stimulus Package which includes a large cheese pizza plus topping, 2-liter soda and a special salad for two for $1 You won't be scared of this bill: $100 includes a $25 lunch or dinner gift certificate at Michaels Restaurant and a one-night stay in one of Alpine Inn's recently remodeled apartment suites. Offer subject to availability