Rockford TV Meteorologist Owen Szarley Has a Bow Tie Secret

For many viewers across the Stateline area, the weather forecast comes with a familiar accessory: a bow tie.

Rockford's Most Recognizable Bow Tie

Eyewitness News WTVO-TV meteorologist Owen Szarley has become known for wearing the distinctive neckwear while delivering weather updates, making him one of Rockford's most recognizable bow-tie wearers.

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With National Bow Tie Day arriving Friday, August 28, the Q Morning Crew recently asked Szarley about his history with the accessory, which goes back to his childhood.

His Bow Tie Collection Has Grown

Szarley said he is sure there are photos of him wearing a bow tie when he was just 5 or 6 years old. But Owen clearly remembers the moment he chose to make a fashion statement around his neck.

It was his senior homecoming, when Owen's date wanted him to wear a pink bow tie, and it was on from there. There is, however, one major catch to his bow-tie reputation.

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"I will break the news that they're all clip-on ties," Szarley told the Q Morning Crew. "I don't know how to tie an actual bow tie."

Szarley estimates he currently owns 11 or 12 clip-on bow ties, with five or six coming as gifts from viewers. He says those gifted ties regularly make their way into his rotation.

A Bow Tie Tradition With Famous Company

Szarley is hardly alone in making the bow tie part of his identity. Famous bow-tie wearers have included comedian Pee-Wee Herman, popcorn pitchman Orville Redenbacher, and former Illinois U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

But, as National Bow Tie Day arrives, there's only one question left: Will Owen Szarley finally learn how to tie one himself? He did say that if he gets married, he will be wearing a bow tie when he ties the knot, but it may still be a clip-on.