Davenport is getting ready for a big party day. And 50,000 people — maybe more — could show up for the celebration. All those visitors will be in the community on Saturday, July 29, for the last day of the 50th anniversary of RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) and the 49th annual […]
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Davenport is getting ready for a big party day. And 50,000 people — maybe more — could show up for the celebration.
All those visitors will be in the community on Saturday, July 29, for the last day of the 50th anniversary of RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) and the 49th annual running of the Quad-City Times Bix 7 race.
That weekend is being called BixBRAI weekend in the Quad Cities. The thousands of weekend visitors will be greeted with a wide variety of live music, parties, family entertainment, festivals and business specials from many downtown restaurants, bars and other establishments.
Downtown Davenport business owners say they are ready for the crowds.
It’s going to be “all hands on deck for our team,” said Daniel Bush, an owner of Analog Arcade Bar, 302 N. Brady St., and Armored Gardens, 315 Pershing Ave. “The Bix is usually neck and neck with St. Patrick’s Day as our busiest of the year. We expect to have a record day with the addition of RAGBRAI.”
Ryan Burchett, owner of the Mississippi River Distilling Company’s (MRDC) Downtown Davenport Lounge at 318 E. Second St., and the MRDC in LeClaire, said he doesn’t expect to hire extra employees for the big weekend. However, he also expects massive crowds.
“We’ve found that Bix weekend in the past has been busy in LeClaire because so many people are visiting from out of town. So folks like to come to the distillery with their travelers for a good time,” he added.
The extra crowds brought in the last day of RAGBRAI will be an unknown factor for many businesses. Mr. Burchett added: “We aren’t sure what the mood will be for RAGBRAI riders. Many will likely want to hit the road after a long week. But we plan to make bike security an option in our warehouse and invite those who do want to stay for a bit to hang out downtown and enjoy an amazing day. We look forward to all the extra activity downtown.”
Business and tourism officials in the Quad Cities region expect a big economic impact from the BixBRAI weekend. During last year’s Bix weekend, those economic estimates included $5.8 in direct and indirect economic impact for the region, and an 82% hotel occupancy rate for hotels because of Bix 7, according to information from Visit Quad Cities.
“This is going to be one of the biggest Julys in Quad Cities history. … This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to welcome people from all over the world,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, during a recent update meeting on planning for the BixBRAI weekend.
During that meeting, Mr. Herrell and others asked residents to get involved with the weekend events by becoming volunteers, helping create a welcoming atmosphere to the thousands of visitors coming to the Quad Cities and coming downtown and taking part in the party.
“If running and walking aren’t your thing, come on out and cheer,” said Michelle Juehring, race director of the Quad-City Times Bix 7.
Many business owners and community advocates also hope the big weekend will bring cheer to the local economy after some tough times.
For instance, Kyle Carter, executive director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, said the weekend could provide a “pick-me-up after a tough year” of spring flooding and other challenges.
“When tens of thousands of people descend on your community, a big economic boost is bound to happen. We’re well-prepared and eager for the positive energy BixBRAI will bring to downtown Davenport, both the week leading up to the events and the Saturday it all culminates. …,” Mr. Carter said.
“We’re eager to welcome folks from all over the world to our historic downtown and Mississippi riverfront.”
Downtown Davenport BixBRAI events include:
Friday, July 28:- Running Wild Sports and Fitness Expo, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., RiverCenter South
- The Heights of the Era music, 1:30-11 p.m., Lindsey Park, Village of East Davenport
- Live music, 5:30-11 p.m., Stardust, 218 Iowa St.
- Arconic Junior Bix race, 6 p.m.
- Live music, 7 p.m., Bootleg Hill Honey Meadery, 321 E. Second St.
- Bix Mix 2023 music, 7:30-10:30 p.m., outdoors on Third St.
- Quad-City Times Bix 7, 8 a.m. race
- Freight House Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 421 W. River Drive
- Vendors open at RAGBRAI dip site, 8 a.m., 315 S. Marquette St.
- RAGBRAI family-friendly events, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., LeClaire Park
- Music and entertainment, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., RAGBRAI dip site
- Bix Mix music begins, 11 a.m., outdoors on Third St.
- Best Dam Bix Party, all day, 410 E. Second St.
- Live music, 1-11 p.m., Bootleg Hill Honey Meadery, 321 E. Second St.
- Finish Line Fest, 5:30-11 p.m., Stardust
