The Rotary Club of Jacksonville plans and organizes dozens of projects and events during the year. Certain events and projects have become our signature efforts, and help us to better serve our community. These include:

Rotary Ferris Wheel

For generations, the citizens of Jacksonville and Morgan County have taken for granted that there is community ferris wheel to ride every summer. As the town is home to the Big Eli Ferris Wheel factory, it’s only natural that we have a wheel for our citizens to enjoy. The Club operates the wheel from late Spring to early Autumn each year. Starting in 2016, rides were free, sponsored by local businesses who help pay the cost of ride tickets.

February/Valentine Event

Each February, the club sponsors a major fundraiser to help support our many charitable efforts. This can vary from a Valentine Dance, dinner, online auction, or other activity.

Bass Tournament

Every spring, fisherman from throughout the Midwest converge on Lake Jacksonville for the Rotary Bass Tournament. A day of fun is had by the fisherman, prizes are awarded, and important funds are raised for community efforts.

Scholar-Athlete Banquet and Awards

Every April, The Rotary Club of Jacksonville recognizes area high school seniors who have reached an outstanding level in both academics and athletics at the Scholar-Athlete Banquet. During the event, a meal is shared, a brief bio of each student is read, future plans are noted, and each student receives a plaque to recognize their accomplishments.

Independence Day Parade

The parade has been a patriotic Jacksonville tradition for many decades, and Rotary is proud to organize this event each year.

Oktoberfest

It’s time to tap the keg! This popular event brings in hundreds of community members to enjoy the brisk fall air. The event includes German Oompa bands, German wine and beer, wiener dog races, keg tossing, authentic German food, and so much more. Oktoberfest has quickly become one of the signature events of The Rotary Club of Jacksonville.

Rotary Green

The Rotary Club of Jacksonville is addressing the loss of our tree canopy by creating Rotary Green. This initiative is planting new hardwood, quality trees throughout Jacksonville. Property owners may choose to have their donated trees planted in front of their own homes, where possible. Ultimately, the goal is to plant new trees city-wide.

Student Exchange

The local Rotary Club of Jacksonville works with Rotary International to sponsor incoming and outgoing students interested in studying abroad. The local club regularly hosts incoming students with Rotarian families, and sends students from our district for educational experiences throughout the world. Learn more on our Student Exchange page.

Polio Eradication

Rotary, along with our partners, has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We are close to eradicating polio, but we need your help. Join with Rotary International, The Rotary Club of Jacksonville and the global partners to eliminate this disease from the earth in our lifetime.