Joe Marino was born and raised in Rockford, IL. He served in the military during World War II, U.S. Navy serving in the South Pacific on the Destroyer U.S.S. Henderson. After returning home to Rockford, Joe took an interest in organizing community events, which Rockford had been lacking at the time. In 1963 he created the Rockford 4th of July Committee. With community donations Joe purchased fireworks and provided Rockford with an amazing firework show from downtown Rockford. After 42 years, Joe is still the Chairman of the Rockford 4th of July Committee.

He currently is the Public Relations Director for Project First Rate.

Joe has received recognition and awards including but not limited to the following;

1973- The Key to the City

1977- Man of the Year Award

1981- Mr. 4th of July Award

1981- Rockford Park District Distinguished Service Award

1984- Vice President George Bush Excellence Award

1996- President Ronald Regan Award

1996- President's Service Award from Bill Clinton

2001- American Heart Association Chairman for Heart Walk Award.

The Rockford 4th of July Committee is comprised of roughly 30 individuals. All of these hard working people donate their time to help raise funds, organize, and promote the 4th of July Celebration. Some of these people have graciously served as volunteers for decades. Their dedication and community support is over-whelming. They truely bring out the best in Rockford.

What promted Joe Marino to start the Holiday Festival of Lights you ask? Well, it started in 1989 at the Dean's Pub Restaurant. The guests included Joe Marino, Joanne Baker (former Rockford Park District Commissioner), and Webbs Norman (former Executive Director of the Rockford Park District).

Mrs. Baker had just returned from a trip to Austria. She spoke about a Festival of Lights which she had viewed. Mrs. Baker wondered if Rockford could create a similar event. Joe replied with, "Why Not?" And with that a committee was formed. With the cooperation of the Electrical Union, Local 364 provided free of charge "Labor & Materials" to install electrical service throughout Sinnissippi Park. What started out as 12 lighted displays has grown into 50+ wonderful lighted displays and is the 4th largest attraction in Rockford, IL.

Sinnissippi Park is was the very first park purchased by the newly formed Rockford Park District in 1909. Sinnissippi Park is an ideal location to host the Holiday Festival of Lights with its one-mile loop and hilly terrain. It is the most popular and highly used park, generating about a million visitors annually.