The tug-of-war battle between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, will return soon during the 38th annual Tug Fest.
That festival will be Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 7-9, with activities in the two communities.
In addition to the traditional tug-of-war battles between several teams on both sides of the river, the three-day celebration will feature carnival rides, live entertainment, a grand parade, fireworks and much more.
This year’s festival theme is “Pirates of the Mississippi,” and the community’s Tug-for-a-Cause will benefit Star Gifts for Kids and Elderly Angels.
Tug Fest’s main event will again be a one-of-a-kind tug-of-war between Iowa and Illinois – the only event in the nation to close the Mississippi River for a competition. On Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 3 p.m., a 2,700-foot, 680-pound rope will stretch across the river as 11 teams from each state battle to pull the most feet of rope within three minutes.
The winning side claims the Alabaster Eagle trophy and year-long bragging rights.
In addition, the first-ever Tug Fest Treasure Hunt begins Friday, Aug. 1. People can uncover hidden gems while shopping, sipping and exploring LeClaire.
Here is how it will work: 1. Pick up a map at the LeClaire Information Center, 117 S. Cody Road. 2. Visit participating businesses to collect stamps. Some stops even have mini hunts inside. 3. Turn in the completed map at the beverage tent on the levee by 5 p.m. Aug. 9. More stamps means a higher chance of winning the grand prize.
Here is a schedule of many of the Tug Fest events:
- Thursday, Aug. 7: Family Night, free admission, live entertainment by Press Record, and a bags tournament in LeClaire. In Port Byron, events include an ice cream social at 4:30 p.m., vendors from 5-10 p.m., a carnival beginning at 6 p.m. and the prince/princess pageant at 6 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 8: Grand parade at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m., live music by Dirt Road Rockers at 8 p.m. all in LeClaire. In Port Byron, vendors begin at 4 p.m. and live music at 5 p.m. A fireworks show over the Mississippi River begins at 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 9: Tug across the river starts at noon, children’s tug at 3:30 p.m., bags tournament at 4:30 p.m., live music at 6 p.m. in LeClaire. In Port Byron, pancake breakfast begins at 7 a.m., 5K run at 8 a.m., vendors at 9 a.m., kids’ tug-of-war at 11 a.m., and a carnival at noon.
Go here to see more about the festival events in Port Byron. Go here for more on LeClaire’s festival events.
